AFT Massachusetts Joins Healey-Driscoll Administration and Legislative Leaders at Early Literacy Bill Signing (June 26, 2026)
AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang joined legislative leaders, policymakers, students, and Governor Maura Healey for a ceremonial signing of new legislation designed to improve student literacy across Massachusetts and provide schools and educators with additional tools to support early reading success.
“Teaching children to read is one of the most important things we do as educators. Ensuring educators have the tools and resources they need to improve reading instruction will always be a priority for us,” said President Tang. “Having educators involved early and often as regulations—especially those around professional development—are crafted and implemented will ensure these new guidelines and support are provided in an equitable, realistic, and timely manner.”
Massachusetts is home to the nation’s top-ranked K-12 school system. This legislation strengthens early literacy instruction by requiring school districts to adopt evidence-based reading curriculum, instructional materials and practices and consistent literacy screenings, and improving educator preparation.
The Legislation requires school districts to select K-3 reading curricula backed by scientific research that has been proven to improve student competency in reading, vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension. It also requires DESE to develop a free, high-quality K-3 literacy curriculum that will be available to school districts across Massachusetts.
“Today is an important first step towards our longstanding goal—ensuring all districts and educators have access to the same, high-quality, evidence-based literacy curriculum,” continued Tang.
"Massachusetts is the best state in the nation for education, but we know there is a lot more that needs to be done, especially when it comes to early literacy. Helping students learn to read is one of the most important things we can do to set them up for success," said Governor Maura Healey. "This legislation builds on the work we’ve been doing through Literacy Launch and high-dosage tutoring by giving schools and educators the tools they need to support every student. I'm grateful to the Legislature, educators, families and advocates who helped make this important bill possible."
The bill codifies dyslexia and literacy screening requirements and requires schools to develop screening protocols for potential neurological learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and annually report their screening practices. It also requires school districts to assess students’ reading ability and review their achievement progress at least twice per school year from K-3.
“When our students succeed, the future of our Commonwealth is so much brighter. This early literacy legislation will help ensure that students receive the evidenced-based instruction they need to become the strongest readers they can be, plus provide our educators with essential tools to support their students," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As a parent who had to help their child navigate reading struggles, I understand how important this legislation is for youth, families, and teachers across the Commonwealth. I'm grateful to the Governor for her signature, to Senator DiDomenico for his leadership on this issue, and to all my colleagues across the Senate and House for advancing this crucial legislation.”
“As a former public-school teacher, and as someone committed to improving the future of our Commonwealth, the drop in reading scores that students in Massachusetts have experienced in recent years is simply unacceptable,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This bill reflects the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that every school district in Massachusetts has access to the most effective early literacy instruction. The Commonwealth has a long and proud history of being a national leader in education, but in order to maintain that leadership, we must keep pace with what is proven to be effective in the classroom. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for producing legislation that will lead to better outcomes for our students."
The Legislation expands the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to support paid teaching apprenticeships in high-needs districts. It also supports DESE’s expeditated review of teacher education programs to ensure they use evidence-based literacy training.
“A strong curriculum is part of the solution,” continued Tang. “We also need a strong coaching infrastructure for both educators and administrators, the necessary funding to support this transition, and standards in place to support at-risk students, including those with disabilities and English language learners.”
"Reading opens doors. Whether it's succeeding in school, pursuing higher education or building a career, strong literacy skills create opportunities that last a lifetime," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This legislation will help more students build those skills by giving educators additional tools to identify challenges early and provide support when it's needed most."
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is ready to support school districts in implementing these changes as soon as possible. AFT Massachusetts has already been in touch with DESE and other policymakers to ensure educators have a role in establishing and implementing guidelines around these new measures.
“The AFT Massachusetts fully supports evidence-based literacy curriculum and will continue to work with our partners in the State House to realize the full potential of our students,” continued Tang.