MASSACHUSETTS
A comprehensive overview of Massachusetts enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Massachusetts requires dyslexia screening for early grades, evidence-based intervention plans, and professional development for teachers. Educators must follow structured literacy practices and complete training in dyslexia awareness and support strategies.
MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. General Law Chapter 287 of the Acts of 2012 (amended 2018)
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Summary: Established an early literacy expert panel to develop recommendations for improving reading proficiency by the end of third grade. The 2018 amendment added provisions related to dyslexia screening and teacher preparation.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures dyslexia is considered in early literacy initiatives; improves identification of students with dyslexia through recommended screening practices; enhances teacher preparation for supporting students with dyslexia; promotes research-based strategies for reading instruction and intervention.
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More: Chapter 287
2. General Laws Chapter 71, Section 57A
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Summary: This law requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to issue guidelines for districts to develop screening procedures for students showing potential indicators of neurological learning disabilities, including dyslexia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures early identification of students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, allowing for timely interventions and support.
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More: General Law - Part I, Title XII, Chapter 71, Section 57A
3. Chapter 272 of the Acts of 2018
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Summary: This act amends various sections (Chapter 71 and Chapter 287) of Massachusetts law to improve support for students with dyslexia and other neurological learning disabilities. It directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Early Education and Care, to issue guidelines for screening students who demonstrate potential signs of learning disabilities like dyslexia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Educators will receive new guidelines and protocols for identifying students at risk for dyslexia, while families will benefit from early identification and timely support. Educators will also be provided with recommendations for effective screening and teacher training related to reading disabilities.
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More: Chapter 272
4. Chapter 71B, Section 3
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Summary: This section outlines the responsibilities of school committees in identifying, evaluating, and providing special education services to students with disabilities, including notifying parents in writing about evaluations, informing them of their right to request independent evaluations, and appealing decisions.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures that students with dyslexia receive appropriate evaluations and services within the public school system.
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More: General Law - Part I, Title XII, Chapter 71B, Section 3
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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Massachusetts requires educators to complete training on the principles of scientifically-based reading instruction.
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The state encourages professional development related to dyslexia awareness and intervention strategies.
More: Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines
MORE MASSACHUSETTS STATE RESOURCES
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