Frequently Asked Questions

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• 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

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Program Changes and Updates

• Can I make a change to our approved program? What information does DESE need to know if I make this change to our approved program?
  • Sponsoring organizations have the authority to make changes to approved preparation programs (and are encouraged to use a continuous improvement model to do so!). Changes to courses or seminars, field-based experience requirements, personnel, etc. is collected as part of the State Annual Report. Any organization making substantial changes, including changes to a program's delivery model (e.g., switching from in-person to a hybrid or virtual programs) should reach out to the Ed Prep Inbox at educatorpreparation@mass.gov for more information about documenting that change. Also see Appendix I: Massachusetts-based Off-Campus/Satellite Programs, Hybrid (online and face-to-face) and Online Delivery Models in the 2023 Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval for more information.
• What do I need to do if our organization plans to close or expire one or more program?
  • Please reach out to the Ed Prep Inbox at educatorpreparation@mass.gov . Our team will work with you to determine a teach-out plan for any currently enrolled candidates and ensure we have the appropriate documentation to expire the program(s).
• Does my SO need to tell DESE if our program is modifying its credit hours?
  • DESE does not have credit hour expectations for approved preparation programs. If the credit hours are being adjusted within the approved program of study, we do not need to be notified. If more significant changes are being made to the program of study, those may warrant notifying DESE.

Last Updated: January 15, 2025