Press Release: 6/5/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Early Literacy Tutoring Application and BOOST Pilot for Next School Year

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

6/04/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025

 Online

Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that Massachusetts schools and districts can now apply for high-dosage early literacy tutoring for the upcoming school year, helping more young students build the foundational reading skills critical for long-term academic success. 

High-dosage tutoring provides one-on-one or small-group instruction multiple times each week over at least 10 weeks. Tutoring may take place in person or virtually, and before, during or after the school day depending on local needs. Offered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the initiative prioritizes first grade students while supporting eligible students in kindergarten through third grade. Participating schools and districts will receive tutoring services at no cost to schools or families.  

“It’s crucial for our teachers and schools to have access to the resources they need to support every young reader," said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Literacy Launch and initiatives like high-dosage tutoring, we are helping schools across Massachusetts strengthen early literacy instruction and give students the foundational reading skills they need for long-term success. We’re excited to continue expanding access to proven supports that help more students thrive in the classroom and beyond.” 

“Strong reading skills open the door to success in every subject and every stage of life,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Through Literacy Launch, high-dosage tutoring, and the BOOST pilot, we’re helping more students get personalized support while continuing to strengthen literacy instruction across Massachusetts.” 

This initiative builds on the administration’s ongoing comprehensive strategy to improve literacy for all Massachusetts students, which has already supported high-dosage tutoring in more than 300 schools statewide. Governor Healey launched the initiative with a $25 million state investment during the 2025-26 school year. State funding, combined with support from a federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will support tutoring during the 2026-27 school year. 

The federal EIR grant will also support a pilot initiative called BOOST (Building Ongoing Outcomes in Student Tutoring), which will study how tutoring approaches can strengthen both immediate literacy gains and long-term student outcomes. 

“When our schools take advantage of evidence-based, culturally sustaining tutoring options, students will be more likely to achieve the critical milestone of reading proficiently by third grade,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “By continuing to focus on first grade while also studying how to strengthen and sustain gains over time, this effort will help students at a key moment in their academic development.” 

“We know high-dosage tutoring is an important support to the work already that’s already happening in classrooms, and we’re happy to make these funds available,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “In addition, the research aspect of this initiative will help make future early literacy tutoring efforts as effective as possible.” 

The tutoring opportunity is open to all Massachusetts public schools, districts, and collaboratives. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction and a strong need for English language arts and literacy support. Pending final appropriation, tutoring services are expected to begin during the 2026-27 school year, with grantees selected in July. DESE-approved vendors will provide tutoring using student-centered approaches grounded in diagnostic data, evidence-based instruction, and flexible service models. 

This tutoring initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen early literacy alongside Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3, Governor Healey’s statewide initiative to improve literacy outcomes through educator training, curriculum support, and district grants that strengthen early literacy instruction across Massachusetts. 

Eligible schools and districts can apply now through the FY27 Early Literacy Tutoring application, available online.