Elementary and Secondary Education - Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy (Grades Pre-Kindergarten to 12) - March 2011

Aug 31, 2026

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education curriculum framework outlining English Language Arts and Literacy expectations for grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. The framework integrates the Common Core State Standards with Massachusetts-specific “MA” standards and features, including pre-kindergarten guidance, expanded glossary and bibliography, and recommended authors across grade ranges. It describes design principles, guidance for preparing college and career ready students, standards organization, and applications for English language learners and students with disabilities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPaper Templates

FormatDOCX

Pages128

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Key Design Considerations for the Standards

What is Not Covered by the Standards

Guiding Principles for English Language Arts and Literacy Programs in Massachusetts

Standards for English Language Learners and Students with Disabilities

Student Who are College and Career Ready

Standards Organization and Key Features

Grades Pre-K–5

Reading

Literature

Informational Text

Foundational Skills

Writing

Speaking and Listening

Language

Grades 6–12

Standards for English Language Arts

Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

Bibliography

Glossary

A Literary Heritage: Suggested Authors, Illustrators, and Works

Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy Grades Pre-Kindergarten to 12 Incorporating the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects March 2011 This document was prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D. Commissioner Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Members Ms. Maura Banta, Chair, Melrose Ms. Harneen Chernow, Vice Chair, Jamaica Plain Dr. Vanessa Calderon-Rosado, Boston Mr. Gerald Chertavian, Cambridge Mr. Michael D’Ortenzio, Jr., Chair, Student Advisory Council, Wellesley Ms. Beverly Holmes, Springfield Dr. Jeff Howard, Reading Ms. Ruth Kaplan, Brookline Dr. Jim McDermott, Eastham Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, Bridgewater Mr. Paul Reville, Secretary of Education, Worcester Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner and Secretary to the Board The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, an affirmative action employer, is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Inquiries regarding the Department’s compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws may be directed to the Human Resources Director, 75 Pleasant St., Malden, MA, 02148, 781-338-6105. © 2011 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Permission is hereby granted to copy any or all parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes. Please credit the “Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.” This document is printed on recycled paper. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906 Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370 www.doe.mass.edu Commissioner’s Letter ii Acknowledgements iii Introduction 1 Key Design Considerations for the Standards 4 What is Not Covered by the Standards 6 Guiding Principles for English Language Arts and Literacy Programs in Massachusetts 7 Student Who are College and Career Ready 9 Standards Organization and Key Features 10 Grades Pre-K–5 Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Reading 13 Literature 14 Informational Text 17 Foundational Skills 20 Writing 23 Speaking and Listening 29 Language 33 Grades 6–12 Standards for English Language Arts Reading 47 Literature 48 Informational Text 50 Writing 53 Speaking and Listening 60 Language 64 Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Reading 73 History/Social Studies 74 Science and Technical Subjects 75 Writing 76 Application of Common Core State Standards for English Language Learners and Students with Disabilities 81 Bibliography 85 Glossary 92 A Literary Heritage: Suggested Authors, Illustrators, and Works from the Ancient World to About 1970 105 A Literary Heritage: Suggested Contemporary Authors and Illustrators; Suggested Authors in World Literature 114 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4906 March 2011 Dear Colleagues, Introduction In 2007 the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education convened a team of educators to revise its existing 2001 English Language Arts Curriculum Framework and, when the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA) began a multi-state standards development project called the Common Core State Standards initiative in 2009, the two efforts merged. The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects were adopted by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on July 21, 2010. Unique Massachusetts Standards and Fe

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language Arts and Literacy?

It sets grade-by-grade guidance for what students should learn in English language arts and literacy from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, integrating Common Core expectations with Massachusetts-specific additions.

How does the framework incorporate Massachusetts unique standards and features?

It includes standards and features marked with an “MA” preceding the standard number, such as pre-kindergarten standards, expanded glossary and bibliography, and recommendations for classic and contemporary authors by grade-level range.

Does the framework address students with special learning needs?

Yes. It includes an application section for Common Core State Standards for English language learners and students with disabilities.

Aug 31, 2026

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