An Act to promote high-quality early literacy instruction and improve student outcomes

This bill requires Massachusetts school districts to use research-backed reading methods (like structured phonics instruction) for students in kindergarten through third grade, replacing less effective approaches such as guessing from pictures. It mandates early literacy screenings for K-3 students, requiring districts to implement intervention if over half of students fall below reading benchmarks. Districts must align all literacy curricula with evidence-based practices covering the five key reading components (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension), and provide teacher training on these methods. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will create guidelines for identifying reading deficiencies, approve professional development programs, and collect annual data on implementation starting in 2025.