As Massachusetts codifies science of reading, experts expect results to take a few years

“It seems like a good time, regardless of the state and its achievement profile, to join in and ensure the resources that support instruction are there to make sure students have access to early literacy,” Davis said.

The new law will require significant training on evidence-based phonics instruction that might be limited somewhat by union contracts, but “it’s not going to be enough to do a one-shot training,” Reville said. Districts and the state will also need to build out data systems to track results, such as fewer students requiring intensive remediation by the 3rd grade...