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HILL For Literacy Selected as Professional Learning Provider for Literacy Launch Professional Learning Institutes!
HILL for Literacy (the HILL), a leading technology-enabled literacy consultancy, is pleased to announce that they have been selected by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as the vendor for the Literacy Launch Professional Learning Institutes. The HILL and its partners, RMC Research Corporation (RMC) and the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy (Rennie), in collaboration with the Center for Teacher Education and Research (CENTER) at Westfield State University and the Commonwealth Learning Center will implement professional learning for the new, 5-year, multipronged initiative focused on strengthening early literacy across the state.
Literacy Launch Professional Learning Institutes will accelerate the timeline for school districts and early education programs to adopt evidence-based, high-quality literacy materials and provide technical support, coaching, and professional development to educators. These institutes will provide professional learning intended to increase the number of educators who are able to implement high-quality, evidence-based, and culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices in the classrooms. HILL for Literacy, the Rennie Center, and RMC will design and implement the statewide professional learning institutes and follow-up with on-site coaching in schools to support effective implementation of evidence-based practices. In addition, the Commonwealth Learning Center will provide specialized training to select educators, and CENTER will offer graduate credit opportunities for the professional learning.
“We’ve brought together a highly-qualified team of experts across multiple organizations to bring DESE’s vision for the Literacy Launch Professional Learning Institutes to fruition,” said Darci Burns, Ph.D., Executive Director of HILL for Literacy.
“RMC is thrilled to partner with HILL for Literacy to strengthen evidence-based early literacy instruction across the state,” remarked Sarah Sayko, Ed.D., Senior Research Associate, who will lead the RMC team.
“Early literacy is the cornerstone of long-term educational success, providing students with the essential skills they need to thrive. The Rennie Center is proud to collaborate with HILL for Literacy, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and other key partners to invest in evidence-based, equitable practices that will make Massachusetts a leader in literacy outcomes,” said Chad d’Entremont, Ph.D., Executive Director, Rennie Center.
The Literacy Launch Professional Learning Institutes are expected to begin in Summer 2025. More information regarding registration for individual educators and school/district teams will be forthcoming on hillforliteracy.org in April 2025.
About HILL For Literacy
HILL for Literacy (the HILL) strives to create a world where every child is a reader. The HILL operates with a mission to advance equitable literacy outcomes for PreK-12 students by equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality, responsive literacy instruction that meets the unique needs of every child. The HILL is a Massachusetts-based 501c3 nonprofit professional learning organization. Founded in 2001 as The Hanson Initiative for Language & Literacy at the Massachusetts (Mass) General Hospital Institute for Health Professions, the HILL became an independent organization in 2010. The HILL provides both in person and technology-enabled consultancy and services to states, districts, and schools with the aim to increase the number of students meeting state reading standards. With over 20 years of experience, the HILL partners with districts not only to make change in literacy practices, but to sustain that change over time.
About the Rennie Center
The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy’s mission is to improve public education through well-informed decision-making based on deep knowledge and evidence of effective policymaking and practice. As Massachusetts’ preeminent voice in public education reform, Rennie creates open spaces for educators and policymakers to consider evidence, discuss cutting-edge issues, and develop new approaches to advance student learning and achievement. Through Rennie’s staunch commitment to independent, non-partisan research and constructive conversations, it works to promote an education system that provides every child with the opportunity to be successful in school and in life.
About RMC
RMC, headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, offers an unparalleled reputation for delivering high-quality technical assistance (TA), professional development, and products deeply rooted in the first days of the scientifically based reading research (SBRR) revolution. RMC has deep knowledge and experience in the Science of Reading and developing and delivering capacity-building TA and professional learning to states, districts, and schools in multi-tiered systems of support in reading (MTSS-R). RMC has decades of experience working with the DESE and deep familiarity with MA regulations, policies, and procedures, including those in literacy. Through the Northeast Comprehensive Center, and the New England Comprehensive Center, RMC assisted district and school leadership teams in the implementation of the MA Educator Evaluation model, including training MA district and school leaders and faculty on the model and assisted DESE in the design of its accountability and assistance system for low-performing districts.
About the Professional Training Institute at Commonwealth Learning Center
The Professional Training Institute (PTI) seeks to improve teaching effectiveness by providing unique training opportunities for education professionals. They offer research-based programs designed to help teachers and specialists meet the needs of students who require systematic and multisensory learning approaches.
About the Center for Teacher Education and Research (CENTER) at Westfield State University
The Center for Teacher Education and Research (CENTER) at Westfield State University is a registered Institution of Higher Education Professional Development provider with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The CENTER works to develop partnerships and collaborations between Westfield State University and public school districts, community colleges and universities, collaboratives, professional consultancies, and professional organizations in order to provide high quality professional development courses earning PDPs and/or graduate credits for teachers and administrators.
As an Medford Public Schools has benefited from our ongoing partnership with HILL for Literacy, we are so excited for you and for this amazing opportunity! Please keep us informed once detailed information is released. We appreciate our partnership and are looking forward to this learning institute.