Tell MA Legislators: Every Child Deserves High-Quality Reading Materials!

Every child deserves the chance to discover the joy of reading. Yet today, 40% of our third-graders are reading below grade level, putting that right to read out of reach.

One major reason: too many students lack access to high-quality, research-based literacy materials that help them become engaged and effective readers. As of 2022, nearly half of Massachusetts districts were using reading materials known to be ineffective.

State legislators must act now to fix this. Passing "An Act to promote high-quality, comprehensive literacy instruction in all Massachusetts schools" (S.338/H.698) would:

• Require all MA districts to use materials grounded in the body of research that illuminates how kids learn to read;
• Ensure teacher preparation programs train educators with these evidence-based materials; and 
• Provide adequate professional development and free and accessible online training manuals to support implementation.

Districts could use free, high-quality materials from the state or leverage existing state grant funds to meet the requirement.   

Reading is a basic right, and it’s time we made it a reality for every child. Join a growing group of educators across Massachusetts in calling on legislators to pass this bill!