The Healey-Driscoll Administration in Massachusetts has recently made a significant move to bolster early literacy by announcing that 272 elementary schools across the state will get a boost in the form of no-cost, high-dosage early literacy tutoring. The program, worth $25 million and paid for with Fair Share dollars, is specifically targeting students from kindergarten to third grade, emphasizing the critical first grade as a key point of intervention.
Governor Maura Healey's initiative is designed to directly reach students who need help the most, thereby giving them the essential skills necessary for long-term academic success. "It’s crucial for our teachers and schools to have access to the resources they need to support every young reader," Governor Healey said in a statement obtained by Mass.gov. Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will oversee the program, which will include flexible tutoring models to meet both in-person and virtual needs during and after school hours. The initiative is firmly grounded in literacy tutoring programs proven to be highly effective.
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll commented on the program saying, "We’re investing in early literacy practices to strengthen the foundation of our education system," according to the administration's announcement. The tutoring service providers, chosen by DESE, are tasked with offering student-centered approaches grounded in diagnostic data and evidence-based methods led by highly trained tutors.
Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler stated, "When our schools have access to evidence-based, culturally sustaining tutoring options, students are more likely to achieve the critical milestone of reading proficiently by third grade." This reflects the core aim of the initiative, which is to seamlessly aid in solidifying reading skills at an early stage. Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez cited the importance of being able to read by the early grades and envisioned this initiative to successfully support every student in Massachusetts.
Senate President Karen E. Spilka lauded the program, hailing it as a reflection of the Senate's commitment to fortifying public education, “Every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader, and this investment in high-dosage tutoring will give thousands of young students the support they need to thrive.” State Representative Ken Gordon and State Senator Jason Lewis equally applauded the initiative for its prospective contributions to the literacy of young learners and their future capabilities within the workforce.
The issuance of free tutoring is part of a broader agenda by Governor Healey that includes Literacy Launch, which encompasses educator training, curriculum support, and district grants aimed at reinforcing early literacy from as young as three years of age up through third grade. Districts chosen for the tutoring program have been recognized and include a diverse set of public schools and charter schools throughout Massachusetts, from the urban landscapes of Boston and Worcester to smaller districts like Sharon and Ipswich.
For more information on the full list of awarded school districts and charter schools, please visit the official announcement on the Mass.gov website.
