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DESE DesignED Playbook

DESE Voice and Tone

Across all units of the agency, DESE presents a united front. We work together so our internal units can serve as partners to all external stakeholders.

  • We are confident and honest. We benefit from our collective knowledge and experience and continue to learn from our stakeholders and partners.

  • We are uplifting and realistic. We celebrate the successes and achievements of students and educators across Massachusetts while acknowledging challenges.

  • We are direct. The information we provide is thorough and concise. We create content that is accessible to all and eliminate jargon wherever possible.

Our editorial tone will shift slightly depending on the target audience.

Messaging: Is "special education" capitalized? When is "mathematics" abbreviated as "math"? What should a legislative report look like? And what, exactly, is an em dash? This guide answers these questions and more by codifying correct spelling, punctuation, and usage for common Department terminology and standard formatting and design for official documents.

Boilerplate: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education oversees the Commonwealth's K-12 education system and adult basic education, including school finance and district support, student assessment, curriculum and instruction, educator preparation and licensure, charter schools, vocational-technical education, English language learner programs, student support services, and special education.

Last Updated: November 5, 2024

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.