No-Cost High-Dosage Tutoring
For MA Districts & Charters
Gov. Maura Healey has announced a $25 million investment to provide high-dosage early literacy tutoring for Massachusetts students in K-3, with 1st grade as the top priority.
Through DESE, chosen schools and districts will receive 1:1 tutoring sessions at no cost for SY 25-26 to help students build foundational reading skills.
Check out our step-by-step guide to apply below (with time-saving tips for administrators).

All Applications Due June 30
Districts and charter schools must complete the DESE Early Literacy Tutoring Interest Form by June 30 to be considered for funding.








Success Spotlight:
Ignite Reading Growth Stories Across Massachusetts
Johns Hopkins University study of 1,872 Massachusetts students in Ignite Reading high-dosage tutoring
Chelsea Public Schools
Johns Hopkins University researchers found the number of students needing intensive intervention in Chelsea was cut in half with the help of 1:1 tutoring — from 88% to just 35%.
Westfield Public Schools
Johns Hopkins University researchers documented 2X growth of the number of students on benchmark with Ignite Reading instruction.
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Neitzel, A.J., & Reilly, J. (2024). An evaluation of Ignite Reading virtual literacy tutoring in Massachusetts. Center for Research and Reform in Education,
The Johns Hopkins University.

Request Your Preferred Program
To request state funds for tutoring from a DESE-approved vendor like Ignite Reading, you must select "DESE-sponsored tutoring services from a tutoring provider."
The "in-house" option is reserved for districts that want to hire and train their own tutors internally.

Rank Your Top Tutoring Model
If your district would like to partner with Ignite Reading in SY 25-26, rank the following as your #1 preference in Section 5 — Tutoring Preferences:
"Daily, 15 min/session, during the school day, one-on-one, offered virtually (online) from a vendor-provided tutor"
"Priority will be given to schools who prefer embedding tutoring within the school day, as it leads to stronger and more consistent student outcomes." — DESE

Use a DESE- approved literacy screening tool(s) in grades K-3 and agree to allow tutors to administer DIBELS 8th edition to participating students, pre- and post-test for 10-12 week tutoring programs and pre-, mid-point, and post- for full year tutoring programs

Agree to participate in research efforts, including providing student-level assessment data from the approved early literacy screening assessment that is administered in all schools during the award period

Display a demonstrated need for ELA/literacy support for 1st grade students
Virtual Lunch & Learn:
Hear Tutoring Success Stories
From Your District Peers
Date
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time
11 a.m. ET
Join district leaders from across the commonwealth as they share their high-dosage tutoring journey — from initial implementation to remarkable student reading growth.
Bring your questions for the post-panel discussion Q&A!

Explore Your District's Options 1:1
Meet 1:1 with the Ignite Reading team for help creating a high-dosage tutoring plan customized for your students' unique needs.
Set up a timeline for implementation, discuss a program design for your district, and get your questions answered in real time.
Select the time and day that works best for your schedule below.