PLC - Spring 26 - Further Program Alignment

This professional learning community (PLC) is one important part of MA DESE’s initiative focused on strengthening early literacy through evidence-based and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. It is composed of educators who have participated in previous PLCs and is facilitated by The Reading Circuit and EdLighten Solutions. It provides a supportive, collegial learning opportunity for faculty as they align their teacher preparation programs with DESE’s Early Literacy Approval Criteria, released in May 2024.

Please see our early literacy resource page for an organized repository of resources from previous PLCs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Early Lit Learning Opportunities and EdLighten and TRC logos

PLC Sessions

PLC sessions will be held throughout the Spring of 2026.  Please visit this page for updates.

Session Objectives:

  • Meeting participants in this PLC
  • Preparing for an Early Literacy Program Review
  • Sharing of Progress: Success and Challenges Remaining
  • Sharing of Early Literacy Resource Hub
  • Planning Next Steps

Session Objectives:

  • Identifying where CLSP are integrated in a program of study
  • Determining how and when candidates will be assessed on CLSP
  • Delineating the steps to be taken if candidates do not demonstrate the expected level of understanding of CLSP
  • Steps to keep track of and gather data on CLSP practices and evidence of impact

Session Objectives:

  • Identifying where data-based decision practices are integrated in a program of study
  • Determining how and when candidates will be assessed on their knowledge and practice of data-based decisions
  • Delineating steps to be taken if candidates do not demonstrate the expected level of understanding and use of data-based decisions

Session Objectives:

  • Identifying opportunities for teacher candidates to practice evidence-based early literacy instruction
  • Identifying opportunities for teacher candidates to observe evidence-based early literacy instruction
  • Delineating the opportunities in the pre-practicum and practicum experiences for teacher candidates to demonstrate evidence-based early literacy instruction

MA DESE Resources

Mass Literacy – Statewide effort to empower educators with the evidence-based practices for literacy that all students need.

Early Literacy in Educator Preparation – Resources for Ed Prep Program Faculty including Early Literacy Program Criteria so that all teacher candidates have access to information about literacy and language acquisition that is based in current evidence. 

Early Literacy Observation Form – A form to support educator preparation supervisors to observe and provide high-quality feedback to teacher candidates.

Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices
• Center for Instructional Support Guidance and Resources
• Center for Instructional Support Video Library
• Pathways to Equity in Early Literacy from Mass Literacy
• The Foundations of Early Literacy as a Tool for Equity – Webinar
• Culturally Responsive Practices in Early Literacy – Webinar
• Early Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners – Webinar
• DESE’s Educational Vision

Professional Learning Community Members

  • Leandra Elion, Tufts University Lecturer, The Reading Circuit President, Focus: Dyslexia and Equitable Opportunities
  •