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Educators play a critical role in the success of students. As such, all educators are called on to continually improve their practice. Professional learning is the single most accessible method by which educators can grow and learn as professionals. Below are resources to support professional learning for digital literacy and computer science in Massachusetts schools and districts.

DLCS 5–12 MTEL Review Course for Educators

Cambridge College DLCS MTEL Review Course with Voucher

The Cambridge College Digital Literacy & Computer Science (DLCS) MTEL Review Graduate Course is targeted at assisting teacher candidates in preparing to take and pass the Massachusetts DLCS 5–12 MTEL test. The intent of this course is to review Digital Literacy and Computer Science content in order to pass the MTEL test. The course is not intended to introduce CS content that you have not seen before.

DESE is pleased to offer a voucher for this course ($600 value) for those candidates meeting the requirements and will continue to provide funding for these vouchers through the fall of 2026 as long as funding is available. Those candidates who do not meet the requirements may self-pay for the course.

In order to meet the criteria for the voucher, the applicant must demonstrate that they are currently teaching CS concepts at the middle/high school range or have some background in CS that would include computational thinking, databases, and some level of text-based programming.

The course is comprised of 5 live Zoom modules. The five modules are in direct support of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for DLCS:

  • Computational Thinking: Data Structure and Algorithms
  • Computers Software and Networks
  • Computer and Society
  • Computer Programming
  • Network Security and Safety

The course runs for a 5-week period starting on February 24, 2025 and awards 3 graduate credits. Contact: Professor John N. Papadonis .

DLCS Leader Network

The Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Leaders Network is a professional network and community of learners that includes PreK–12 DLCS district and school leaders in MA. Members of the network engage in collaborative discussions relevant to their role as DLCS educators and leaders within their districts. Participants will share resources and strategies around broadening participation in DLCS education and selecting and implementing high-quality DLCS curricula. To join or if you have questions, please contact Paula Moore .

Massachusetts Professional Learning Resources:

Technology Self-Assessment Tool (TSAT) for Educators
The TSAT helps educators gauge their knowledge of the 2016 Digital Literacy and Computer Science Framework (DLCS). It can also help schools and districts identify professional learning opportunities for teachers in integrating key concepts from the framework into their practice.

CSforMA
CSforMA is a non-profit organization in Massachusetts dedicated to expanding access to Digital Literacy and Computer Science education. They provide various professional development opportunities, especially during June and July.

National Professional Learning Resources:

Last Updated: January 29, 2025

 
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