Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026 Mass. Legislature enacts bill strengthening early literacy instruction Requires evidence-based reading instruction, school districts having proven teaching materials/practices, consistent statewide literacy screening and improved educator preparation Special to Th e Advocate O n June 18, 2026, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted landmark literacy legislation that will transform how the Commonwealth teaches children to read. An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy establishes clear state8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! wide standards for evidencebased reading instruction — requiring the teaching of phonics, ensuring access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhancing educator training and support and creating new reporting and accountability systems. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey as Chapter 113 of the Acts of 2026. “Strong literacy skills open doors to opportunity, and we know that early intervention makes a lifelong difference. This legislation brings Massachusetts in line with the best available research on how children learn to read while providing schools and educators with the support they need to be successful. From evidencebased instruction and early screening to improved teacher preparation, this bill represents a meaningful investment in our students and their future. Every child deserves the chance to become a confi dent reader, regardless of their zip code,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Perhaps the most imporwww.810bargrille.com tant responsibility of a democratic republic is the education of our children. For many years, despite large infusions of funds, the literacy rates of Massachusetts school children has fallen signifi cantly. I am thrilled that Jessica Ann Giannino State Representative Governor Healey has signed the literacy legislation into law. This new law will require Massachusetts schools to abandon a failed model and replace it with a model that has proven successful across the USA. All of our children will benefi t from this important law,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). “This is a pivotal moment for children across our state as we advance the critical legislation I fi led to ensure every student gains essential literacy skills,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett). “We all recognize that teaching our kids to read and write is one of the most fundamental responsibilities we have, yet far too many students are still falling short of basic literacy benchmarks. Jeff rey Rosario Turco State Representative As co-chair of the conference committee, I was proud to collaborate with many educators to craft evidencebased policies that will strengthen early literacy instruction and set our students on a path to lifelong success. I want to express my gratitude to Senate President Spilka, my fellow conferees, my staff , the educators, and the committed advocates whose dedication helped carry this important policy across the fi nish line.” Although Massachusetts is recognized as a national leader in education and our students consistently test high among national peers, recent data confi rms there is more work to do. English Language Arts (ELA) scores continue to lag behind MASS. HOUSE | SEE Page 5
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