25 Investigates was there in early August when hundreds of teachers spent four days in Mansfield in literacy instruction training.
“Today we’ve got 300 teachers representing 84 districts across the state learning the basis of evidence-based early literacy instruction,” said Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts Secretary of Education.
The trainings, that fully funded by the state, were dubbed ‘Literacy Launch Institute’ and are just part of Massachusetts’ efforts to improve literacy skills for students statewide.
As reported by 25 Investigates first in February a national report revealed that 60% of Massachusetts 4th graders were reading below grade level, with even higher percentages among Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students.
The trainings targeted educators in grades Kindergarten through 3rd. Tutwiler says it’s crucial to target those students in the youngest grades.