Blog Archive for November 2026

At the Rennie Center’s 10/29 briefing on the state’s new Student Literacy Act, a consistent theme emerged from all speakers: when it comes to helping all Massachusetts students become successful readers, passing the law was just step one. Seeing this legislation lead to real change will take a dedicated effort from educators in classrooms across the Commonwealth—and from the state and local leaders who support them. The briefing highlighted a range of important considerations for both policymakers and educators as they work to put the Commonwealth's new literacy law into practice.

In recent years, the struggles of Massachusetts’ youngest readers have offered a clear call to action. The state needed a coherent approach to improving early literacy, grounded in evidence about how children learn and designed to ensure every student has the support they need. A new state law marks an important step toward that goal. In June 2026, Governor Healey signed the Student Literacy Act, creating a statewide framework for early literacy. Understanding what it will take to meet the law’s aspirations and improve early literacy for all students means understanding how Massachusetts got here.