MassPotential: To-do list for state’s new education chief
Pedro Martinez, the new commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, comes to the commonwealth with an impressive record of change in Chicago and an opportunity to tackle numerous stubborn issues that have plagued our public education system for decades. Here are some ways Martinez can lead us down the path of improvement.
Addressing our literacy crisis
Massachusetts is ranked 27th nationally in reading recovery, with students half a grade level below 2019 figures. The situation is worse in Worcester, Springfield, Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, where the typical student remains at least 1.5 grade levels behind where they were in 2019. Only 20% of low-income Black and Latino children are performing at grade level, according to DESE data.
The solution lies in evidence-based reading practices. Our state is one of only eight that does not mandate evidence-based reading curricula, and we’re being outpaced by states that do, including Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Legislation was stymied last year that would mandate that districts choose from a long list of evidence-based reading curricula approved by DESE, which already offers free evidence-based high-quality instructional materials and grants for the adoption of others. Martinez can advocate for the legislation in this session, along with additional funding to support the transition, and motivate districts to adopt effective reading practices.
Read the full article via The Worcester Telegram & Gazette >> https://www.telegram.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2025/08/10/opinionguest-column-to-do-list-for-states-new-education-chief/85544889007/