Educators for Excellence – Massachusetts statement on passage of the Right to Read Act in the MA House of Representatives

Lisa Lazare, Executive Director of E4E-Massachusetts, issued the following statement in response to the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ passage of the Right to Read Act (H.4642):

“Today’s vote by the Massachusetts House of Representatives marks a significant victory for students across the Commonwealth, bringing us one step closer to signing the Right to Read Act into law. I am pleased that the House preserved key aspects of our original bill, strengthening accountability measures and adding essential guardrails to ensure districts deliver the evidence-based literacy instruction they deserve.  Nearly 4 in 10 third-graders in Massachusetts can’t read proficiently, with even lower rates among low-income students and students of color. In 2023, nearly half of school districts were using low-quality literacy curricula that relied on discredited strategies. Today’s action establishes clear standards that would transform how we teach reading statewide. 

In a recent Educators for Excellence poll, 83% of MA teachers we surveyed support the use of high-quality, evidence-based instructional materials. Research also shows that 95% of students can learn to read by third grade with proper instruction–proof that we have the knowledge and tools to close literacy gaps once and for all. This progress would not have been possible without the voices of teachers across the Commonwealth, who showed up in force last month to testify and call for change. Lawmakers listened, and today’s vote reflects their commitment to doing right by students. 

Now, attention turns to the Senate. We urge Senators to follow the House’s lead and pass a version of the bill that maintains robust accountability measures and ensures every K-3 classroom uses evidence-based literacy instruction.

The House listened to educators and voted YES. Now it’s the Senate’s turn to finish the job. The Right to Read Act reflects what research confirms, what educators are ready to implement, and what every child deserves.”

Lisa Lazare is available for comment to discuss this matter further.