Tewksbury – Governor Maura Healey, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez today celebrated Massachusetts’ $25 million investment in no-cost, high-dosage early literacy tutoring for 272 elementary schools with a classroom visit to Dewing Elementary School in Tewksbury.

High-dosage tutoring is an evidence-based model shown to deliver significant gains in literacy achievement, particularly for students who are behind grade level, and provides one-on-one or small-group tutoring sessions multiple times a week for at least 10 weeks. The high-dosage tutoring program is designed to help students in kindergarten through third grade build foundational reading skills this school year — with Grade 1 as the top priority.

“High-dosage tutoring recognizes the importance of reading in early education. Good literacy skills are essential to a strong education, and an educated public is essential to a healthy democracy,” said Tewksbury Town Manager John C. Curran.

“Encouraging students through tutoring and support to become proficient readers empowers them to be successful students and lifelong learners,” added State Representative David Robertson (D-Tewksbury). “I greatly appreciate the Governor and her administration for prioritizing early literacy programs throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

“We are excited about this high-dosage early literacy tutoring opportunity and recognize its potential to significantly impact our students’ foundational reading skills,” Tewksbury Superintendent Brenda Theriault-Regan. “Our district is prepared to move quickly on the DESE-sponsored program once funding becomes available. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to ensuring all students achieve reading proficiency.”

Lowell Public Schools and the Lowell Community Charter School joined Tewksbury in receiving the tutoring investment.

“Investing in high-dosage early literacy tutoring is essential for equipping students with the foundational skills needed for success, ensuring they meet the critical third grade reading benchmark,” said State Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “Sincere appreciation to my House and Senate colleagues, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for the collaborative effort prioritizing early literacy.”

Offered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the high dosage tutoring initiative provides participating schools and districts with tutors at no cost to the school or student. The tutoring offers flexible models — including in-person and virtual formats — designed to meet local needs during and after the school day. DESE has selected qualified tutoring providers to partner with schools and work with students across the state. First graders are prioritized as this is a crucial year to solidify early reading skills.

“I proposed this $25 million investment in high-dosage tutoring because we know students are not where they need to be when it comes to reading in Massachusetts and across the country. By making tutoring available for thousands of children this school year, we are putting proven strategies directly into elementary classrooms so our students get the support they need to succeed,” said Governor Healey. “I want to thank the Legislature for their partnership in this important work and all of our educators who are working hard to make sure students receive this important support.”

“High-dosage literacy tutoring is one of the smartest investments we can make in our students and our future,” added Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re proud to partner with educators across the state to provide tailored instruction to some of our youngest readers and help close achievement gaps we continue to see as we recover from the pandemic.”