A First Look at Early Literacy Performance in Massachusetts
Massachusetts commissioned WestEd to conduct a study of the state’s K-3 student reading skills. WestEd’s report, authored by Mariann Lemke, Dan Murphy, Aaron Soo Ping Chow, Hayley Spencer, and Angela Zhang, provides insights into indicators of Massachusetts students showing early signs of reading difficulties. WestEd researchers examined literacy screening assessment data collected by districts and schools participating in specific state grants. Examining data collected in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, researchers examined performance and the correlations between literacy screenings and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System English Language Arts assessment.
More information about the study and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s response can be found in this Boston Globe article.