Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B and c.71, §38G and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on the proposed amendments to 603 CMR 7.00, Regulations for Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval.
The proposed amendments will continue authorizing alternative assessments for educator licensure and also make additional changes listed below:
Create a new Media Arts Endorsement to allow teachers to demonstrate a body of knowledge that aligns to the MA Arts Curriculum Framework (603 CMR 7.04, 7.14);
Create additional flexibilities in coursework for professional licensure (603 CMR 7.04);
Change the name of the Health/Family and Consumer Sciences license to Comprehensive Health in alignment with the MA Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework, and shift from All Levels to PK-8 and 5-12 (603 CMR 7.04);
Allow the Bilingual Endorsement as an alternative to the Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement for initial licenses in core academic areas (603 CMR 7.04);
Specify that Emergency licenses may not be extended beyond June 30, 2027 (603 CMR 7.15); and
Remove outdated language relating to licensure flexibilities that were available during the COVID-19 pandemic (603 CMR 7.02, 7.15), transition periods from past licensure changes that are no longer relevant (603 CMR 7.15), and a Performance Assessment Program that is no longer relevant (603 CMR 7.02).
Copies of the proposed amendments are available on the Department's website at 2025 Public Comment Submission Page, or by calling 781-338-3292. Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner's Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149, or by e-mail to: EducatorPreparation@mass.gov . The deadline for submission of public comment is April 4, 2025 at 5pm. The Board is expected to vote on adoption of the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting in May 2025.