MA H4683

Requires K-3 literacy curricula to use evidence-based instruction covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, while prohibiting "three-cueing" methods that rely on guessing from context and picture cues

Mandates districts assess each student's reading ability at least twice yearly from kindergarten through grade 3, with parents notified within 30 days if a child falls significantly below grade level benchmarks

Requires educator preparation programs to align with evidence-based literacy instruction, and directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create free online training modules and maintain approved professional development program lists

Establishes a paid teacher apprenticeship pilot program in high-needs districts, pairing candidates with highly proficient mentor teachers and providing financial support for childcare, transportation, and textbooks

Creates annual reporting requirements for districts on literacy staff (reading specialists, librarians, interventionists) by October 31, with a department study due December 31, 2026 recommending staffing levels based on student population needs