Pursuant to its authority under Massachusetts General Laws M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B; Chapter 113 of the Acts of 2026, and, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, Massachusetts General Laws M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on the proposed new regulation, 603 Code of Massachusetts Regulations CMR 58.00, Early Literacy.
The proposed regulation, pursuant to An Act Relative to Teacher Preparation and Student Literacy, passed by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2026 and signed by Governor Healey on June 26, 2026, governs the provision of early literacy education in Massachusetts school districts from kindergarten through at least third grade. This regulation also moves a revised version of the early literacy screening regulation at 603 Code of Massachusetts Regulations CMR 28.03(1)(f) to the proposed new section of regulations 603 Code of Massachusetts Regulations CMR 58.03, Early Literacy Screening.
Copies of the proposed regulation are available on the Department's website at Public Comment Submission Page, or by calling 781-338-3111. Written comments on the proposed regulation may be submitted by mail to: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner's Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149, online at Public Comment: Student Literacy Act Regulations, October 2026 or by e-mail to: instructionalsupport@mass.gov . The deadline for submission of public comment is December 28, 2026 at 5pm. The Board is expected to vote on adoption of the proposed regulation at its regular monthly meeting on January 19, 2027.