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1/3 of MA 1st graders are significantly behind in reading1

The DESE tutoring grant can change that.

Districts from Belchertown to Wrentham have already used DESE funding to close their 1st grade reading gaps with Ignite Reading's daily 1:1 tutoring model. 

Johns Hopkins University researchers found that readers across MA districts got on track and stayed on track with just 15 minutes of 1:1 virtual instruction from Ignite Reading, delivered 5 days a week.

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6%→ 48%
1st graders reading on grade level2 after one year with Ignite Reading
5.4mo
of additional reading growth vs. national benchmarks3 across all student groups
46
Massachusetts districts already building stronger readers with Ignite Reading

Why Ignite Reading

The 15-minute, 1:1 model that closes reading gaps for good

Two young students smiling while holding a large book open in front of their face, surrounded by a purple background and illustrated circle graphics
Book (1)

One tutor. One student. One relationship that builds a reader.

One-to-one tutoring during the school day gives every child an adult whose entire focus is on them: their specific reading gaps, their pace, and their progress.
calender

Every school day. No missed sessions. No lost ground.

Fifteen minutes of tutoring, 5 days a week, ensures students build on yesterday's progress, every single day. The kids who need the most repetition finally get it, reliably and predictably.
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1st graders catch up and stay caught up.

A Johns Hopkins University study of 13 Massachusetts districts found 17 in 20 students2 who reached reading benchmark with daily Ignite Reading tutoring stayed on track through the next school year.
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Above-average growth for every student.

Johns Hopkins researchers found all student groups (including MLLs and students with IEPs) achieved similar reading growth with daily intervention — an additional 5.4 months of learning on average3 compared to national benchmarks.

Hear from the districts
leading Massachusetts' literacy turnaround

Forty-six Massachusetts districts are building strong reading foundations for their 1st graders with 1:1 sessions delivered by Ignite Reading's certified literacy tutors 5 days a week, 15 minutes at a time. Here's what their students have gained.

Massachusetts state outline in purple with pink books and rocket ship illustrations
Jose Escribano headshot
Jose Escribano
Assistant Superintendent,
Springfield Public Schools
"Ignite Reading has been a game-changer for our district. We've seen a significant improvement in student outcomes ... students are really loving the program, and teachers and administrators are noticing the difference in their schools."
Lisa Lineweaver headshot
Lisa Lineweaver
Principal, George F.
Kelly Elementary School, Chelsea
"Our graphs went from 60-some percent of students coming into 1st grade needing intensive support — and having that flip completely. I have not seen any other intervention that can do that."
Christine Shea headshot
Christine Shea
Director of Assessment & Accountability,
Westfield Public Schools
"Since we have been using Ignite [Reading], this jumped out right away and it has continued: Our multilingual learners grow at the same or even a better rate than the rest of our learners."

Reading Gains That Stick

First graders who reached benchmark with Ignite Reading finished 2nd grade still reading on grade level, without any additional tutoring.2

How to apply

The DESE high-dosage tutoring application takes just minutes to complete, but the window for districts to apply is tight.
Applications will only be accepted through June 23.

When you reach the model ranking section, select "5 days per week, 15 min/session, during the school day, one-on-one, offered virtually (online) from a vendor-provided tutor" as your preferred option.
That one choice is what connects your district's 1st graders to Ignite Reading's program and to reading gains that stick.
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Get help navigating the application process.

Select a time to chat with our team.

Book a call with our Massachusetts team now to get your questions answered and start writing a new chapter for your students.

A 1st grade student laughing while holding a large book open in front of their face, surrounded by a blue background and illustrated circle graphics

Data Sources:

1. WestEd, Early Literacy Performance in Massachusetts (2025), 2023/24 screening assessment data.
2. Center for Research and Reform in Education, The Johns Hopkins University; 2026
3. Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University, 2025; compared to national averages