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H 4642

An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Simon Cataldo and 10 co-sponsors

Requires DESE-overseen, evidence-based K-3 literacy instruction and twice-yearly screenings; districts must use DESE-approved tools, notify families of results, and publish data.

New draft substituted, see H4672
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Bill Summary · H 4642

Summary: H.4642 An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy (current substitute: H.4672)

Overview

H.4642, introduced October 20, 2025 in Massachusetts, seeks to reform teacher preparation with a strong emphasis on evidence-based literacy instruction and systematic screening in early grades. The bill aims to raise the quality and accountability of teacher preparation programs, increase transparency about program outcomes, and standardize reading screening and literacy instruction for students in kindergarten through third grade. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and a new draft has been substituted (see H.4672).

Key Provisions and Changes

Teacher Preparation and Program Oversight

  • The term “student” in the relevant section of law is replaced with “candidate,” signaling a focus on individuals pursuing teacher licensure.
  • Policies and guidelines for educator preparation programs must align with evidence-based literacy instruction to be approved.
  • The commissioner of education must annually evaluate approved preparation programs to ensure candidates are prepared to meet the needs of all Commonwealth students.
  • The annual review will differentiate program providers based on quality and candidate employment outcomes.
  • The review will assess implementation of evidence-based preparation in the five core reading areas: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and whether new teachers’ effectiveness addresses achievement disparities.
  • The commissioner must publish annually data on each program, including approval status, enrollment, candidate demographics, licensure areas pursued, and graduate employment rates.

Program Application Funding

  • All applications for program review/approval must include a fee, set annually by the Secretary of Administration and Finance, to fund DESE’s oversight responsibilities.

Early Literacy Screening and Data Transparency

  • DESE must publish annually which screening instruments are used by each district, including Pre-K–3 literacy screenings and whether the tools are DESE-approved.
  • Introduction of Section 57B establishing district-wide screening protocols for reading (K–3) using evidence-based screeners.
  • Districts must assess each student’s reading ability at least twice per year with an approved screener.
  • If screenings show a student is significantly below benchmarks, districts must determine appropriate, evidence-based adjustments and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Within 30 school days of a significantly below benchmark result, districts must inform parents/guardians and offer a follow-up discussion.

Literacy Curricula and Standards

  • Curricula for elementary literacy must cover the five core areas (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension) and include oral reading/communication skills and reading comprehension.
  • Curricula must be based on scientifically based reading standards, defined by stringent criteria (rigorous methods, peer-reviewed acceptance, demonstrated outcomes in vocabulary/oral language/comprehension and foundational reading skills).
  • These standards apply across core instruction, supplemental/instruction, interventions, and special education plans (e.g., IEPs), with an emphasis on differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs.

Who Is Affected

  • Teacher preparation programs: must align with evidence-based literacy guidelines and participate in annual program reviews.
  • The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE): administer program evaluations, publish data, and establish screening/guidelines.
  • School districts: implement mandated screening protocols, use DESE-approved screeners, and communicate results to families.
  • Teacher candidates and new teachers: subject to enhanced preparation standards and accountability metrics.
  • Students (particularly in grades K–3): impacted by standardized screening, targeted instruction, and progress monitoring.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative history shows the committee recommended passage with amendments; new draft substituted (H.4672) as of late October 2025.
  • The bill contemplates annual publication of program and screening data, annual program evaluations, and routine district screenings twice per year.
  • Fee structure for program approvals to be set annually by the Secretary of Administration and Finance.

Notes

  • Some sections in the provided text are truncated (notably Section 6 regarding curricula), but the core themes focus on evidence-based reading instruction, accountability for teacher preparation, and transparent literacy screening data.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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