While I appreciate their concern for our students, the authors of the March 18 op-ed, “To improve literacy, Massachusetts should look to Mississippi,” overlook what Massachusetts educators are advocating for to ensure our students’ right to read.
Literacy educators belonging to the Massachusetts Teachers Association have been working with policy makers to create curriculum frameworks, a literacy strategic plan, dyslexia guidelines, and early-screening guidance, all of which have been implemented over the past six years.
Governor Maura Healey has asked for an initial investment of $30 million for the administration’s proposed “Literacy Launch,” but additional funding will be needed to help districts implement high-quality reading curriculums. Other states, including Mississippi and Virginia, have linked increased funding for literacy initiatives to improvements in reading. I urge the state to continue providing support to districts while avoiding specific curriculum mandates. Educators maintain that it’s possible, and preferable, for school districts to select literacy curriculums best suited for the needs of their respective communities.
Advertisement
Core curriculum alone is not enough. Funding is also necessary to support students who need additional interventions and specially designed instruction. Universal access to early-childhood education and staffed school libraries are also critical to support our children’s literacy development and to spark a love of reading.
Massachusetts educators support a comprehensive approach to improving literacy education, just as our colleagues in Mississippi do.
Amanda Montero
Framingham
The writer is a licensed reading specialist working in the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District. She is certified in the phonics-based Orton-Gillingham method and holds a master’s in teaching from Tufts University and a certificate of advanced study in literacy and language from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.
