Massachusetts Dyslexia Resources
K-3 students receive reading screening twice yearly. Request a school evaluation and free parent support.
More about dyslexia help in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires early reading screening and help for students below benchmarks. A law signed June 26, 2026 adds curriculum requirements for 2027-28.
Request a school evaluation when you suspect a disability; screening is not a diagnosis. The Federation for Children with Special Needs offers free special education information and workshops.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Massachusetts.
Free parent help
Federation for Children with Special Needs
Free special education information, workshops, and referrals for Massachusetts families.
FreeState dyslexia guidance
Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines and Resources
Official guidance on dyslexia screening, instruction, accommodations and school evaluations.
FreeSpecial education office
Massachusetts Special Education Planning and Policy
Official special education information, IEP resources, and ways to resolve disagreements with a school.
Free
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts(opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia association
International Dyslexia Association Massachusetts Branch(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Massachusetts
The steps and deadlines in Massachusetts rules.
- Time limit: 5 school days
Put your request in writing
Ask the school to evaluate suspected disability. Written notice is due within five school days of the referral.
- Time limit: 30 school days
Give written consent
Assessments are due within 30 school working days after the district receives your written consent, not after its notice.
- Time limit: 45 school days
Meet to decide eligibility
The Team meeting and proposed IEP or ineligibility notice are due within 45 school working days of consent; year-end rules apply.
- Time limit: 30 days
Review the proposed plan
Respond within 30 calendar days of receiving the proposed IEP and placement. You can accept part, reject part, or request a meeting.
Make sure services start
The district must start the parts of the IEP you accept without delay.
Get help if you disagree
Ask about an independent evaluation, mediation, complaints or a hearing; free parent-center help is available.
Massachusetts dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
K-3 reading screening is required at least twice yearly; the 2026 law also requires dyslexia-risk protocols.
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
For students well below reading benchmarks, districts must identify general-education help and monitor progress.
M.G.L. c.71 §57C(b) (2026)
Teacher training
Partly
What it says
The law aligns teacher preparation with evidence-based reading and requires free training modules; not all staff must complete them.
St. 2026, c.113 §§3,9 (2026)
Dyslexia defined in law
Partly
What it says
State rules define specific learning disability and refer to federal criteria that include dyslexia.
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
Official Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines explain screening, reading instruction, accommodations and eligibility.
State dyslexia specialist
Not sure
What it says
A dedicated statewide dyslexia specialist role was not confirmed; use the education department literacy or special education offices.
Science of reading law
Yes
What it says
Now: K-3 curricula may not teach guessing words from pictures or context. Each district needs an approved curriculum or waiver by 2027-28.
St. 2026, c.113 §§3,16 (2026)
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Massachusetts
Pick what you need.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Collaborative for Educational Services Literacy Center (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia testing and diagnosis, plus one-to-one or small-group tutoring for grades K-12.
Massachusetts General Hospital Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (opens in a new tab)
Learning evaluations for ages 2-22; new patients need a referral from within Mass General Brigham.
Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents (opens in a new tab)
Child and adult learning evaluations in Newton, Hingham and Plainville; fees and insurance vary.
Tufts Medicine College Learning Disorders + ADHD Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Testing for college students with suspected dyslexia and other learning differences.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Central Massachusetts Children's Dyslexia Center (opens in a new tab)
Free one-to-one dyslexia tutoring in Worcester; an outside evaluation is needed for admission.
Children's Dyslexia Center Boston North (opens in a new tab)
Free one-to-one dyslexia tutoring in Lowell for grades 1-12; an outside evaluation is needed for admission.
Commonwealth Learning Center (opens in a new tab)
Orton-Gillingham tutoring in Needham or online, for students and adults; sliding-scale aid available.
Greater Boston Children's Dyslexia Center (opens in a new tab)
Free one-to-one dyslexia tutoring in Newtonville; an outside evaluation is needed for admission.
Julie Atwood Speech, Language, and Literacy Center (opens in a new tab)
Free reading and language help for children and adults in Boston, plus a summer reading clinic for students.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
MassAbility Assistive Technology Services (opens in a new tab)
Assistive devices and software for work and home; apply through a regional provider.
Worcester Talking Book Library (opens in a new tab)
Free talking books for Massachusetts residents of any age who cannot read traditional print.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Cape Cod Community College Adult Education Center (opens in a new tab)
Free reading and high school equivalency classes for adults 16+, with online and Hyannis options.
MassLINKS Adult Education Online Academy (opens in a new tab)
Free online adult basic skills, English and high school equivalency classes for eligible state residents.
The Literacy Project (opens in a new tab)
Free adult reading, writing and math classes at six western Massachusetts sites and online.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Professional Training Institute (opens in a new tab)
Orton-Gillingham teacher courses and ongoing practicum training; fees and prerequisites apply.
Schools for dyslexia in Massachusetts
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
10 of 10 shown
- Dyslexia school
Landmark School(opens in a new tab)
Prides Crossing · Essex County · Grades 2-12
Day school for grades 2-12 and high-school boarding; structured literacy and need-based aid.
BoardingFinancial aid - Dyslexia school
Carroll School(opens in a new tab)
Lincoln · Middlesex County · Grades 1-9
Day school for grades 1-9 using Orton-Gillingham; need-based tuition assistance available.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
Willow Hill School(opens in a new tab)
Sudbury · Middlesex County · Grades 6-12
Grades 6-12 in Sudbury for students with language-based learning disabilities, ADHD, and related needs.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
Eagle Hill School(opens in a new tab)
Hardwick · Worcester County · Grades 8-12
Day and boarding school for grades 8-12 with individually selected reading instruction and tuition aid.
BoardingFinancial aid - Public districtClassroom program
Falmouth Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Falmouth · Barnstable County
Fundations phonics lessons in kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms, adopted in 2020.
- Public district
Pittsfield Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Pittsfield · Berkshire County
Heggerty sound-awareness lessons in K-3 classrooms, plus extra UFLI phonics lessons in K-2.
- Public districtClassroom program
Dartmouth Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Dartmouth · Bristol County
Fundations in grades K-3, documented in the district's 2025 annual report.
- Public districtClassroom program
Greenfield Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Greenfield · Franklin County
District-reported Core Knowledge Language Arts Skills for K-5 foundational reading instruction.
- Public district
Arlington Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Arlington · Middlesex County
District-reported Fundations in K-3 and Wilson Reading System in grade 6.
- Public districtClassroom program
Nantucket Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Nantucket · Nantucket County
District-reported Fundations for kindergarten through grade 3 foundational reading skills.
Dyslexia help by county in Massachusetts
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How Massachusetts reads
Students and adults, next to the whole U.S.
4th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
8th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
Adults who struggle to read
Ages 16 to 74 at or below Level 1 in a national adult skills survey (PIAAC), data through 2017
NAEP Proficient is a high bar, not the same as “on grade level.” Adult figures are model estimates. Sources: The Nation’s Report Card and the U.S. PIAAC Skills Map, both from NCES.
See reading scores in every stateAlso good, in every state
Bookshare (opens in a new tab)
Ebooks read aloud with highlighting, free for U.S. students with dyslexia; adults pay a yearly fee.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) (opens in a new tab)
Find your state's federally funded parent center for help with special education.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Provider Directory (opens in a new tab)
Search IDA's directory for dyslexia testing, tutoring, therapy, and advocacy near you.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential advice on job accommodations for adults with dyslexia, by phone or email.
Learning Ally (opens in a new tab)
Human-read audiobooks for students with dyslexia. Families pay yearly; your school may already offer it.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) (opens in a new tab)
Free audiobooks by mail or app for children and adults with a reading disability like dyslexia.
Massachusetts dyslexia questions
Does Massachusetts require dyslexia screening?
K-3 students must receive approved reading screening at least twice yearly. The 2026 law also requires dyslexia-risk protocols; screening identifies risk, not a diagnosis.
SourceWhen do the new reading curriculum rules apply?
The law was signed June 26, 2026 and took effect September 24, 2026. Districts must adopt approved K-3 curricula or secure a waiver before the 2027-28 school year.
SourceHow long does the school evaluation take?
Written notice is due five school days after referral. Assessments are due 30 school working days after written consent, and the Team meeting and proposed plan within 45; a year-end exception applies.
SourceWhat if consent is given near the end of school?
If consent arrives 30-45 school working days before year end, the proposed IEP or ineligibility notice is due no later than 14 days after year end. Ask the parent center to help check your dates.
SourceDoes dyslexia automatically mean an IEP?
No. The school Team decides if your child's disability keeps them from making effective progress without special instruction or related services. If not, ask about a 504 plan for accommodations.
SourceWhere can I get free parent help?
The Federation for Children with Special Needs offers free special education information and public workshops. Private testing and tutoring have separate fees and eligibility rules.
SourceAre there schools for dyslexia in Massachusetts?
Yes. This guide lists 4 schools built for students with dyslexia: Carroll School (Lincoln), Eagle Hill School (Hardwick), Landmark School (Prides Crossing), and 1 more. Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
Can someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in Massachusetts?
Yes. Perkins Library (800-852-3133) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in Massachusetts?
In 2024, 40% of Massachusetts 4th graders scored Proficient in reading on the NAEP test (U.S.: 30%). Proficient is a high bar: solid grade-level reading and more.
Neighboring states
Learn more
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Sources for this page (9)
- malegislature.gov
- mass.gov — New statute requires family notice within 30 days; older regulation/guidance says 30 school days.
- mass.gov
- doe.mass.edu — 28.04(5): income-based funding rules; outside those rules, fund or file for a hearing within five school days. Team reviews independent report within ten school days; 28.08 dispute options.
- doe.mass.edu — Full official PDF downloaded and read; resource page last updated May 4, 2021.
- doe.mass.edu
- fcsn.org
- doe.mass.edu
- doe.mass.edu — Office directory establishes general literacy and special education contacts, not a separately designated dyslexia coordinator.
We list official, nonprofit, university, and well-known services, checked by people. No paid listings. Not legal or medical advice; confirm details with each organization.
Dyslexia resources in every state