--- title: The Massachusetts' Early Literacy Intervention Driving Reading Growth Across the Commonwealth description: These Massachusetts districts are turning the tide on the reading crisis. image: https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Data%20and%20Assessments_Always%20on%20Campaign@3x-100.jpg --- [![Ignite Reading](https://ignite-reading.com/wp-content/uploads/ignite-logo.svg)](https://ignite-reading.com/) - [Why Ignite](https://ignite-reading.com/foundational-reading-skills-tutoring/) - [Why Ignite](https://ignite-reading.com/foundational-reading-skills-tutoring/) - [Our Impact](https://ignite-reading.com/our-reading-tutoring-impact/) - [Our Structured Literacy Program](https://ignite-reading.com/structured-literacy-tutoring-program/) - [Our Structured Literacy Program](https://ignite-reading.com/structured-literacy-tutoring-program/) - [Reading Tutors](https://ignite-reading.com/reading-tutors/) - [Curriculum](https://ignite-reading.com/foundational-literacy-skills-curriculum/) - [District & School Supports](https://ignite-reading.com/tutoring-services/) - [Tutor for Us](https://ignite-reading.com/online-tutoring-jobs/) - [Tutor for Us](https://ignite-reading.com/online-tutoring-jobs/) - [Science of Reading Certification](https://ignite-reading.com/science-of-reading-certification/) - [Start Dates](https://ignite-reading.com/start-dates-virtual-tutoring-jobs/) - [Become a Tutor](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/ignite-reading/69627d89-3898-492f-88fe-d9c4b3271741) - [About Us](https://ignite-reading.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://ignite-reading.com/about-us/) - [Our Team](https://ignite-reading.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://ignite-reading.com/careers/) - [Ignite in the News](https://ignite-reading.com/news/) - [Help Center](https://knowledge.ignite-reading.com/home?hsLang=en) - Find Your State - [Georgia](https://info.ignite-reading.com/georgia?hsLang=en) - [California](https://go.ignite-reading.com/california-reading-intervention?hsLang=en) - [Massachusetts](https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts) - [Insights](https://ignite-reading.com/insights/) - [Request a demo](https://info.ignite-reading.com/district-meeting?utm_source=ignitereading&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=stickynav&hsLang=en) [![ignite-logo](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/ignite-logo.svg "ignite-logo")](http://ignite-reading.com) [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts%20&body=Check%20out%20https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts&media=https://23384537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23384537/Data%20and%20Assessments_Always%20on%20Campaign@3x-100.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts%20&body=Check%20out%20https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts&media=https://23384537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23384537/Data%20and%20Assessments_Always%20on%20Campaign@3x-100.jpg) ### 1/3 of MA 1st graders are significantly behind in reading1 # Mass. districts are closing that gap, 15 minutes at a time. Districts from Belchertown to Wrentham are closing 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. - [Why Ignite Reading](https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts#hs_cos_wrapper_module_17464733335273) - [Efficacy](https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts#hs_cos_wrapper_widget_1778579489049) - [Hear From MA Districts](https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts#hs_cos_wrapper_module_17775026665627) - [Get Started](https://info.ignite-reading.com/massachusetts#hs_cos_wrapper_module_17775037631708) 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 ![A young girl reading intently, surrounded by a purple background and dashed circle graphics](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Demand%20Gen%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Demand%20Gen%20Images%20%5BMKTG%5D/Landing%20Page%20Images%20%5BMKTG%5D/Illustrated%20Images%20for%20Landing%20Pages%20%5BMKTG%5D/Subcopy%20Image%201@2x-8.png?width=1027&height=801&name=Subcopy%20Image%201@2x-8.png "A young girl reading intently, surrounded by a purple background and dashed circle graphics") ![Book\_Light Purple@2x-8](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Content%20Marketing%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Icons%20%5BMKTG%5D/Light%20Purple%20Icons/Book_Light%20Purple@2x-8.png) #### 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. ![Calendar\_Light Purple@2x-8](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Content%20Marketing%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Icons%20%5BMKTG%5D/Light%20Purple%20Icons/Calendar_Light%20Purple@2x-8.png) #### 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. ![Target\_Light Purple@2x-8](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Content%20Marketing%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Icons%20%5BMKTG%5D/Light%20Purple%20Icons/Target_Light%20Purple@2x-8.png) #### 1st graders catch up and stay caught up. A [Johns Hopkins University study](https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/items/5137999d-0a07-4d1d-af0c-6512ef03237c) 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. ![Lightbulb\_Light Purple@2x-8](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Content%20Marketing%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Icons%20%5BMKTG%5D/Light%20Purple%20Icons/Lightbulb_Light%20Purple@2x-8.png) #### 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](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MA%20Book%20with%20Rocket@3x-8.png?width=1800&height=1800&name=MA%20Book%20with%20Rocket@3x-8.png "Massachusetts state outline in purple with pink books and rocket ship illustrations") ![Jose Escribano headshot](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Jose%20Escribano_scaled.jpg) 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](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Lisa_Lineweaver.png) 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](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Christine%20Shea_scaled.jpg) 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." ![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](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Demand%20Gen%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Demand%20Gen%20Images%20%5BMKTG%5D/Landing%20Page%20Images%20%5BMKTG%5D/Illustrated%20Images%20for%20Landing%20Pages%20%5BMKTG%5D/Square%20image%2013@2x-8.png?width=1140&height=1020&name=Square%20image%2013@2x-8.png "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")   ## Give every 1st grader in your district the chance to read on grade level. ### 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. [![\Request a meeting\](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/23384537/interactive-222401129361.png)](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL%2BTkqAnlWlE6O2CLOXOs9zjjxyjeiqjGUEKFsTudgBnpfRlWAm3ND%2BlLQXBfOFfk%2FC87vF54iagQJQyWPp%2FqeOdU8wbCICoAFE%2BTseI4by4omMS0urvrdFZn7WcQ9%2FlmBvT62btmZV8e%2BwaY5zml4ygA8ItVoQ8XVf9aAh5jVowgM%2FWooRf4j%2BaOWYDFpACQmkDtg0%2F759S57F0k84U2Kw1NIFkqYdB%2Bb3by34aHuw%2FE7eSAw6hDIwaexQ3vG%2FMpqNdVAIXKyX8zmUJJLvUnaXGJDlcyWfYaZ7uCzrQ4Xk0y3cf9ZyFBSHNSBXnfe13Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=222401129361&portalId=23384537&hsLang=en) --- 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 [![White Logo\_Hubspot Landing Page](https://info.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/White%20Logo_Hubspot%20Landing%20Page.svg "White Logo_Hubspot Landing Page")](http://ignite-reading.com)  Copyright © 2026 Ignite Reading.  ## Ignite Reading - [Home](https://ignite-reading.com/) - [Why Ignite](https://ignite-reading.com/foundational-reading-skills-tutoring/) - [Our Impact](https://ignite-reading.com/our-reading-tutoring-impact/) ## Our Program - [Reading Tutors](https://ignite-reading.com/reading-tutors/) - [District & School Supports](https://ignite-reading.com/tutoring-services/) - [Our Structured Literacy Program](https://ignite-reading.com/structured-literacy-tutoring-program/) - [Curriculum](https://ignite-reading.com/foundational-literacy-skills-curriculum/) ## Tutoring - [Tutor for Us](https://ignite-reading.com/online-tutoring-jobs/) - [Science of Reading Certification](https://ignite-reading.com/science-of-reading-certification/) - [Start Dates](https://ignite-reading.com/start-dates-virtual-tutoring-jobs/) - [Become a Tutor](https://ignite-reading.com/become-a-tutor/) - [Tutor Job Posting](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/ignite-reading/69627d89-3898-492f-88fe-d9c4b3271741) ## About Ignite - [About Us](https://ignite-reading.com/about-us/) - [Our Team](https://ignite-reading.com/our-team/) - [Careers](https://ignite-reading.com/careers/) - [Ignite Reading in the News](https://ignite-reading.com/news/) ## Resources - [Insights](https://ignite-reading.com/insights/) - [Terms & Conditions](https://ignite-reading.com/terms/) - [Website Privacy Policy](https://ignite-reading.com/privacy-statement-us/) - [Cookie Policy](https://ignite-reading.com/opt-out-preferences/) - [Security](https://trust.ignite-reading.com/) - [Customer Data Sharing Policy](https://ignite-reading.com/data-sharing-agreement/) - [Accessibility Statement](https://ignite-reading.com/accessibility/) - [Help Center](https://knowledge.ignite-reading.com/home?hsLang=en) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignitereading/) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/ignite_reading) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064486365073) [![Ignite Reading](https://ignite-reading.com/wp-content/uploads/ignite-logo-light.svg)](https://ignite-reading.com/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "caption" : { "@type" : "MediaObject", "contentUrl" : "https://info.ignite-reading.com/media-transcripts/213288968007/en.vtt", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "en Captions" }, "contentUrl" : "https://23384537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23384537/video_assets/213288968007/inherited/web_optimized.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-05-27T20:01:01.998Z", "description" : "District leaders share the early literacy gains they've seen since partnering with Ignite Reading to deliver targeted, daily intervention.", "duration" : "PT3M4.393S", "height" : 1080, "name" : "Closing Early Literacy Gaps With Ignite Reading", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://knowledge.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/Demand%20Gen%20Files%20%5BMKTG%5D/Demand%20Gen%20Videos%20%5BMKTG%5D/about-ignite-video-26-05.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2026-05-20T20:49:50.893Z", "width" : 1920 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://23384537.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23384537/ignite-17-in-20-loop.mp4", "dateModified" : "2026-09-18T21:25:57.124Z", "duration" : "PT5S", "height" : 900, "name" : "ignite-17-in-20-loop", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://knowledge.ignite-reading.com/hubfs/ignite-17-in-20-loop.mp4/medium.jpg", "uploadDate" : "2026-09-18T21:25:57.121Z", "width" : 1400 } ```