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 Approval: Other

• Professional Program Approval
  • What are the expectations for Professional Teacher programs? How can I put forward a new Professional Teacher program?
    • In SY 2024-25, DESE is developing Guidelines for Approved Professional Teacher Programs to create clear expectations for approved Professional Teacher programs. In Fall 2024, we will focus on stakeholder engagement and then will build out a timeline for the revisions. **New Professional Teacher programs will not be accepted for review during this period of development.**
• Ed Prep Reviewers
  • What is the role of reviewers in the program approval process? What is DESE looking for in a strong reviewer? How can I learn more about becoming a reviewer?
    • See the Ed Prep Reviewer page for more information about the reviewer role and upcoming opportunities.
• MA High Needs Program List
  • What programs are currently on the MA High Needs Program List?
    • The current list of MA High Needs Programs can be found at Ed Prep Review and Approval.
  • When and how does the list get updated?
    • The list of MA High Needs Programs is updated prior to the launch of the Informal Review Cycle each year. The list is created based on a combination of employment/hiring data from MA districts and the current landscape of approved preparation programs in the area.
  • What is the impact of a program being on the MA High Needs Program List?
    • If a program is identified as being a MA High Needs Program, the Needs Assessment process for both Informal Review and for low-completer programs undergoing Formal Review is streamlined. See the 2024 Needs Assessment Advisory for additional information.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024