Earlier this week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced it is awarding $9.3 million in Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II grants to 29 school districts and an educational collaborative.

After receiving $549,500 in the last round of PRISM funding earlier in this month, Lowell Public Schools scored another $798,000 as part of the current allocation.

The schools will utilize the new grant to focus on evaluating, selecting, launching, and implementing high-quality literacy instructional materials for grades PreK–3, while the initial funding supports the same comprehensive process for grades 4–12.

“These grants represent a transformative opportunity for our students and educators,” said Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner. “The PRISM funding will enable us to provide our teachers with the highest-quality instructional materials and the support they need to deliver engaging, effective instruction that meets the diverse needs of all our students. This investment in our educational resources will have a lasting impact on student achievement across every grade level.”

The PRISM grant programs are specifically designed to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in their efforts to identify and implement instructional materials that make a measurable difference in student learning outcomes.

The comprehensive approach includes evaluation of current materials, careful selection of new resources, strategic implementation planning, and ongoing support for educators.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will allow us to take a systematic, research-based approach to selecting and implementing instructional materials that truly serve our students,” said Dr. Oneida Fox Roye, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Instruction. “The PRISM grants will enable us to provide our educators with the tools and professional development they need to create dynamic, engaging learning experiences that inspire students to reach their full potential.”

The PRISM II grants are funded through Governor Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative to makes sure Massachusetts preschool programs, schools, educators and students have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction.

“Massachusetts has the best schools in the nation, but we know more work is needed to improve literacy. A strong early literacy education is essential for students’ long-term success in school, career and beyond,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Literacy Launch, we are investing in the educators, materials and systems our youngest learners need to learn how to read and read well.” 

“Strong reading instruction helps unlock each child’s potential,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “PRISM II is designed to help all students — no matter where they live — benefit from high-quality materials and support grounded in research.” 

In this first year, grantees will either begin implementing newly selected English language arts materials or engage in a structured curriculum evaluation and selection process. All grantees will benefit from:

• support in establishing a representative team of educators and community members to select and implement curriculum that suits local needs;
• targeted professional learning aligned with DESE’s IMplement MA process for evaluating, selecting and implementing instructional materials; and
• expert coaching by DESE-selected PRISM curriculum and instruction coaches.

Grant funds may also be used to compensate educators for their time through stipends or substitute coverage.