Evidence-Based Early Literacy in Educator Preparation
We are honored to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support statewide efforts to strengthen early literacy instruction across educator preparation programs.
This work is part of Literacy Launch, a multi-year initiative focused on ensuring that all children—from age three through grade three—experience evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy instruction.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Background
A central focus of this Literacy Launch initiative is supporting educator preparation programs as they align coursework, field-based experiences, and program design to the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria. Faculty, program leaders, supervisors, and practitioners all play critical roles in ensuring that future educators develop strong content knowledge and the ability to apply evidence-based early literacy practices in authentic instructional settings.
The purpose of this work is to support educator preparation programs not only in understanding early literacy expectations, but in translating those expectations into meaningful, sustainable programmatic change. Our approach emphasizes learning experiences that are practical, collaborative, and responsive to the diverse roles and contexts within preparation programs.
Our Approach
Following a shared visioning process with DESE and an analysis of educator preparation program needs, we identified a set of targeted 2026 projects designed to support EPPs in strengthening early literacy alignment across coursework, field-based experiences, and program design.
Across all our projects, we emphasize:
Evidence-based early literacy practices aligned to Mass Literacy
Equity-focused, culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction
Role-specific learning that reflects the responsibilities of different stakeholders
Opportunities for collaboration, shared problem-solving, and continuous improvement
Early Literacy in Ed Prep Conference
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Babson Executive Conference Center
www.earlyliteracyconference.com
Join us for an in-person conference designed to bring together educator preparation faculty, leaders, and partners to connect, learn, and share best practices in early literacy preparation. The conference will highlight evidence-based, equity-centered approaches and provide opportunities for collaboration across programs and roles.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Our PLCs provide sustained, collaborative learning opportunities for educator preparation faculty, leaders, supervisors, and practitioners. PLCs support participants in deepening early literacy content knowledge, examining program alignment, and engaging in shared problem-solving with peers across institutions.
PLC FY26 – Further Program Alignment
Leadership PLC for Early Lit Alignment
Previous: PLC1 & PLC2
Course – Supporting Field-Based Experiences
This asynchronous course focuses on supporting those who work directly with teacher candidates, including program supervisors and supervising practitioners. Content centers on strengthening observation, feedback, and coaching practices aligned to early literacy expectations, with opportunities for reflection and application within local program contexts.
Course – Advancing Early Lit Knowledge
This asynchronous course supports educator preparation faculty and staff in building a shared understanding of evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices. Course topics include the rationale for shifting to evidence-based instruction, strengthening partnerships and field-based experiences, supporting MTSS, and developing coherent approaches to reading and writing across preparation programs.
Early Literacy Resource Hub
The Early Literacy Resource Hub serves as a centralized collection of tools, exemplars, and resources aligned to the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria. Resources are designed to be practical, accessible, and responsive to the needs of educator preparation programs working to strengthen early literacy instruction and program design.
The first round of resources will be available in February 2026.
Coaching
Coaching support offers educator preparation programs personalized, sustained guidance as they work toward Program Approval and strengthen early literacy alignment. Through in-person coaching, targeted Zoom conversations, and a coaching-focused PLC, programs engage in collaborative planning, reflection, and problem-solving grounded in their specific contexts and goals.
