Frequently Asked Questions

Unsure where your question fits in the categories below? Select "View All" and the full page is searchable (Using control/command+F)

Stay Connected! If you would like to update your organization's contact information to ensure the appropriate people receive our communications, please complete the contact info form or email us at educatorpreparation@mass.gov with "Update Contact Information" in the subject line.

• Key Resources
• Communications and Collaborations
• Early Literacy in Educator Preparation
• Edwin
• ELAR and Security Portal
• Endorsements and Endorsement Import Spreadsheets
• Field-Based Experiences: Pre-Practicum
• Field-Based Experiences: Practicum Hours and Settings
• Field-Based Experiences: Practicum Supervision
• Field-Based Experiences: Candidate Assessment of Performance
• Field-Based Experiences: Other Performance Assessments
• Field-Based Experiences: Waivers for Field-Based Experiences
• Licensure
• MTEL
• Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL)
• PK–2 Early Childhood Programs
• PK–12 School/District Partnership Resources
• Professional Standards for Teachers (PSTs) and Professional Standards & Indicators for Administrative Leadership (PSAL)
• Program Admission, Advising, Completion
• Program Approval: Formal Review
• Program Approval: Informal Review
• Program Approval: Early Literacy Reviews
• Program Approval: Other
• Program Changes and Updates
• Record Retention
• SEI Courses
• Stakeholder Surveys
• Subject Matter Knowledge Requirements
• Title II/State Annual Report
• Waivers
• Other DESE Resources
• View All

---

Field-Based Experiences: Waivers for Field-Based Experiences

• What changes do I need to document with a waiver? How do I document that?
  • Any changes from the approved program of study and/or program requirements must be documented as a waiver. Each decision to issue a waiver must be made on a case-by-case basis with individual documentation and rationale. See Appendix J: Implementation of Waivers in Approved Programs from the Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval for additional information.
• What components of field-based experiences cannot be waived?
  • Sponsoring organizations cannot waive more than one half of the required hours for the practicum/practicum equivalent. The requirement that the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are used in the practicum/practicum equivalent site cannot be waived. See Appendix J: Implementation of Waivers in Approved Programs from the Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval for additional information.

Last Updated: September 25, 2024