Sponsoring organizations with formal reviews scheduled in SY2028-29 and beyond will undergo literacy-specific interim reviews on an accelerated timeline. DESE will conduct these stand-alone Early Literacy Interim Reviews of the four relevant licensure programs over the next four years using a review process similar to the formal review process and aligned to the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria.
DESE's goal is to implement an Early Literacy Interim Review process that is effective, efficient, consistent, and equity-driven.
The purpose of the Launch stage is to familiarize sponsoring organizations (SOs) with the overarching review process and prepare SOs for the Initial Inquiry stage. During the Launch stage, DESE will seek a general understanding of the SO's program information and any specific context needed to prepare for stakeholder engagement. Several deliverables will be requested to gather this information.
The purpose of the Initial Inquiry stage is to collect data through engagement with stakeholders to determine where there may be gaps or inconsistencies or particular areas of strength that would lead DESE to ask further questions in the Follow-Up Inquiry.
Early Literacy Interim Review Template Timeline
Launch Worksheet
Program Overview Worksheet
The Follow-Up Inquiry gives sponsoring organizations (SOs) an opportunity to provide written responses and/or additional documentation to address gaps or inconsistencies and elevate strengths that were identified based on a review of evidence collected during the Initial Inquiry stage.
High Quality Evidence of Impact Advisory
During the determination stage, the DESE Early Literacy Program Specialists will review the totality of evidence collected throughout the Interim Review Process and make determinations. All determinations will be vetted with an internal panel to ensure that they are consistent and grounded in evidence. The sponsoring organization will receive a factual accuracy report, which will not include program determinations. The sponsoring organization will have 10 days to fact check and return to DESE. The final report will be shared in June of the review year and will include all decisions and approval determinations resulting from the review.
Last Updated: April 18, 2025