Leadership PLC for Early Literacy Program Alignment
This professional learning community (PLC) is one important part of MA DESE’s statewide initiative to strengthen early literacy preparation through evidence-based and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. Designed specifically for educator preparation program leaders, the PLC brings together deans, program directors, and other administrators responsible for programmatic and financial decision-making within licensure programs.
This PLC provides a structured, collegial forum for leaders to examine DESE’s Early Literacy Approval Criteria and to plan for strategic alignment across coursework, clinical experiences, staffing, and resource allocation.
Participants will engage with peers to explore implementation considerations, institutional impacts, and decision points necessary to ensure programs are positioned for approval and long-term sustainability.
Explore upcoming Early Literacy in Educator Preparation learning opportunities and learn more about the 2026 Early Literacy Conference.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
PLC Sessions
PLC sessions will be held throughout the Spring and Summer of 2026. The outline below is a draft and will be updated based on participant input and facilitator availability. Please check back for the most current information.
1: Imperatives and Impetus Behind the New Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria, April 16th, 11am
Facilitators:
Dr. Steve Zrike Jr. | MA Secretary of Education
Claire Abbott | Assistant Commissioner of Educator Effectiveness, MA DESE
Ellen Ballock | Dean, Herschend School of Education, Gordon College
DESE Presentation and Resources
This opening session will set the context for Massachusetts’ new Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria by exploring the vision and policy drivers behind the state’s literacy initiatives. Participants will hear from state leaders about the goals for improving early literacy instruction and expectations for educator preparation programs, followed by a facilitated discussion to reflect on key takeaways and implications for program alignment.
2: The Evidence Supporting Shifts in Early Literacy Instruction, May 14th, 11am
Facilitators:
Katherine Tarca | Director of Literacy and Humanities, MA DESE
David Chard | Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus, Boston University Wheelock College
Agenda
3: Supporting and Sustaining Evidence-Based Early Literacy in Educator Preparation Programs, In-Person at Early Literacy Conference, June 9th
Facilitators:
Lindsay Zorich | Assistant Director of Educator Preparation, MA DESE
Rebekah Louis | Director/Asst. Professor, Graduate Teacher Education at Stonehill College
Session in-person at the Early Literacy Conference
This session focuses on how ed prep programs can move from understanding evidence-based early literacy shifts to implementing and sustaining them across programs. Participants will explore strategies for aligning coursework, clinical experiences, and faculty capacity, as well as approaches for building systems that support long-term success. The session will highlight practical examples and facilitate discussion on how programs can navigate challenges and maintain momentum over time.
Conference Website: https://www.
4: From Alignment to Action: Leadership Decisions and Evidence for Early Literacy Program Approval
This culminating session supports leaders in translating PLC learning into concrete action. Participants will identify priority areas for alignment, examine how to gather and use evidence to demonstrate program effectiveness, and make strategic decisions to strengthen readiness for DESE approval of the early literacy program. The session emphasizes leadership-level planning, collaboration, and accountability to support both immediate next steps and long-term sustainability.
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
