Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Logo
The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Office of the Commissioner

Commissioner's Weekly Update

2024

March 11, 2024

  1. New Expectations for Teacher Preparation in Early Literacy
  2. Picture of the Week: Education Secretariat at Ways and Means Hearing
  3. Updated Perkins V State Plan
  4. Last Chance to Register for Civics Project Showcases
  5. Addressing Hate in School Sports
  6. Agriculture Youth Council Accepting Applications
  7. FAFSA and College Affordability Updates
  8. Mandated Reporter Training
  9. For Your Info: Connect Science training

March 4, 2024

  1. Board Recap
  2. Addressing Hate in School Sports
  3. Learn from DESE Civics Grant Recipients
  4. FY25 Civics Teaching and Learning Grant Available
  5. Webinar about Electric Buses
  6. PD Provider Registry
  7. School Choice Participation
  8. Vaccinations for Exchange Program Students

February 26, 2024

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Quincy Early College Symposium
  3. SEL and Mental Health Professional Learning Communities
  4. Grant Opportunity about Elevating Student Voice and Well-Being
  5. InSPIRED Fellowship Open for Applications
  6. Educational Stability Office Hours
  7. Family Engagement Series on Newcomer Families
  8. HS Road Safety PSA Contest
  9. For Your Info:
    • USED resources for expanding preschool opportunities
    • Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts Fellowship
    • Civics contests

February 20, 2024

  1. Commissioner Riley to Step Down
  2. Picture of the Week
  3. Focus Groups on High School Computer Science
  4. ELE Policy Changes Webinar
  5. Applications for Emergency Extensions begin February 23
  6. Early Literacy Consortium Grant
  7. Get ready for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse

February 12, 2024

  1. Addressing Hate in School Sports
  2. Picture of the Week: STE Performance Assessment Ambassador training
  3. 2024 School Health Profiles Data Collection Beginning
  4. For Your Info:
    • Health Connector webinar for individuals and families
    • Digital Learning Day:
    • Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts Fellowship

February 5, 2024

  1. Educational Stability Office Hours
  2. Picture of the Week: Literacy Launch Event in Randolph
  3. School Counselor of the Year
  4. Vacation Acceleration Academies Grant
  5. Grant to Support Reduction or Elimination of Time-Out Rooms
  6. FAFSA Delays
  7. Adolescent Literacy Intervention Selection Tool (A-LIST)
  8. Elementary Principals and Early Childhood Coordinators March Regional Network Sessions

January 29, 2024

  1. Board Recap
  2. 2023 School and District Report Cards
  3. Nominate the Next Teacher of the Year
  4. Registration Open for Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases
  5. Teacher Leadership Opportunity in PreK-5 Civic Learning
  6. Massachusetts Instructional Planning Institutes
  7. For Your Info: National School Counseling Week

January 22, 2024

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Early College Student Summit
  3. 21st Century Community Learning Centers Information Session
  4. Family Engagement Series on Newcomer Families
  5. Appleseeds Materials and PD Grant Opportunity
  6. Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant Opportunity
  7. Investigating History 2024-25 Grant Now Open
  8. 2024 School Health Profiles
  9. CTE Teacher Testing Program Update
  10. Reminder about CLIA Waivers
  11. Braille Literacy Month
  12. For Your Info: National edtech plan

January 16, 2024

  1. FAFSA Reminder
  2. Picture of the Week: School is Where We Belong
  3. Gender Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood and the Elementary Years
  4. Grant to Support Student Voice and Well-Being
  5. Reminder - Registration is Open for Student Government Day 2024
  6. For Your Info:
    • Health Connector open enrollment
    • School district communication support survey
    • Equity Leader Accelerator Program

January 8, 2024

  1. SOA Overview Webinar
  2. Picture of the Week: Nature scenes in New Bedford
  3. ESL Certification Grant
  4. Comments Sought on Proposed Changes to Accountability System
  5. Hall STEM Teacher of the Year Program
  6. Welcoming Newcomers and Mental Health Support
  7. Integration of SEL into Academics through Service Learning
  8. Explore Data on Educator Diversity
  9. Looking for the Next Teacher of the Year
  10. Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interpreter in Education Setting Training
  11. For Your Info: Addressing discrimination

January 2, 2024

  1. Grant Opportunity about Elevating Student Voice and Well-Being
  2. Picture of the Week: Combining the Arts at Somerville High School
  3. SOA Overview Webinar
  4. Webinar for Reserve Relief (Circuit Breaker Program)
  5. Medical and Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan Webinars
  6. Comments Sought on Special Ed Procedures
  7. Middle School Humanities MTEL Score Reports Delayed

2023

December 18, 2023

  1. DESE Malden Office and Licensure Welcome Center Closed Dec. 18-Jan. 5
  2. Picture of the Week: Burlington High School's Computer Science Pathway
  3. Arts Curriculum Framework Survey for Arts Educators
  4. Digital Literacy and Computer Science PreK-6 License Info Session
  5. Welcoming Newcomers and Mental Health Support
  6. For Your Info:
    • School Ambassador Fellowship Program
    • Girls Who Code
  7. Note

December 11, 2023

  1. Emergency Management Planning Grant
  2. Picture of the Week: "Frozen" at Triton Regional High School
  3. Tuition Equity Law Information Session
  4. Comments Sought on Proposed Statewide Virtual School
  5. Arts Curriculum Framework Survey for Arts Educators
  6. Now is the Time to Invest in School Nutrition Programs
  7. Guidance Available for FY24 SOA Planning Process
  8. Early Learning Book Discussion on Student Voice
  9. Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interpreter in Education Setting Training

December 4, 2023

  1. Free COVID Tests
  2. Picture of the Week: Miller Elementary at MASS MoCA
  3. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
  4. Feedback Sought on Pathways, CTE, and Career-Connected Learning
  5. FAFSA Support
  6. Input Sought on Preparing Teachers for Early Literacy Instruction
  7. Behavioral Health Summit
  8. Tuition Equity Law Information Session
  9. Winter Supplies for Families in Emergency Assistance System

November 27, 2023

  1. Board Recap
  2. Pictures of the Week: Joseph H. Martin Middle School in Taunton
  3. Community Eligibility Provision for School Nutrition Services
  4. DESE Civics Pathways
  5. Massachusetts Family School Partnership Initiative
  6. DESE Resource Corner: ESL MTEL Test Prep Course

November 20, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Jordan/Jackson Elementary School in Mansfield
  3. Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework Information Sessions
  4. Using MTSS for Talent Development Workshop Series
  5. School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training
  6. Tailoring Supports for Non-Traditional License Holders
  7. Intent to Apply for Waiver Extension about the Percentage of Students Taking MCAS-Alt
  8. Massachusetts Dyslexia Institute
  9. Math Tutoring Program
  10. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant

November 13, 2023

  1. DLCS PreK–6 License Competency Review Available
  2. Picture of the Week: Student Voice
  3. Staying Healthy Over the Holidays
  4. FY24/FY25 Genocide Education Grant Now Open
  5. Call for Student Artwork
  6. Hybrid Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Commonwealth Virtual School
  7. Civics Project Showcases Coming in the Spring
  8. For Your Info:
    • Nondiscriminatory environments
    • NEA Big Read

November 6, 2023

  1. Teacher of the Year
  2. Representation and Inclusivity in Higher Education
  3. VOCAL Data
  4. Call for Student Artwork
  5. Elementary Principals and Early Childhood Coordinators Fall Regional Network Sessions
  6. Webinars on SY24 Purple Star Award Designation
  7. Comments Sought on Proposed Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual School
  8. Arts Curriculum Framework Survey for Arts Educators
  9. For Your Info:
    • MassHealth reminder
    • Name a snowplow
    • Connect Science: Service-Learning Training Program

October 30, 2023

  1. Board Recap
  2. Pictures of the Week: Family Summit
  3. November 7 Deadline to Apply for and Receive an Emergency License
  4. Using MTSS for Talent Development
  5. Call for Student Artwork
  6. FAFSA Support from uAspire
  7. DESE Civics Pathways
  8. Public Comment Sought on Draft Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria
  9. Joint Guidance on Equity in Higher Education
  10. FRESH Grant
  11. For Your Info:
    • High School Quiz Show
    • Halloween fun facts

October 23, 2023

  1. Board Preview
  2. Pictures of the Week: CityLab High School in Revere
  3. Massachusetts Literacy Institute Grant Reposted
  4. Early Literacy Universal Screening Supports Available
  5. Tuition Equity
  6. Milken Educator Awards
  7. Registration Open for Student Government Day
  8. For Your Info: Innovative Schools Learning Excursions

October 16, 2023

  1. Approaches to Play and Learning Resource Pilot
  2. Picture of the Week: STEM at Sokolowski Elementary in Chelsea
  3. SEL and Mental Health Competitive Grant Opportunity
  4. Elementary Principals 3-Part PD Series on Student Voice in the Early Grades
  5. Using Edwin Reports to Increase College Access
  6. Join an MTEL Committee and Support Key Updates
  7. Emergency License Support
  8. 2024 Green Ribbon Schools Awards Application Now Open
  9. E2C Hub
  10. For Your Info: OneGoal Massachusetts Partnership Summit

October 10, 2023

  1. STEM Week
  2. Picture of the Week: Codman Academy Student Doctors
  3. Novice-Level Arts Teachers Invited to Join a Community of Peers
  4. October 23 Convening on College Access
  5. CTE Partnership Planning and Implementation Grants
  6. FAFSA Information
  7. Innovation Career Pathway Grants

October 2, 2023

  1. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Community Elementary School in North Attleborough
  3. WIDA Self-Paced Workshops
  4. In-District Ambassadors Sought for STE Performance Assessment
  5. Save the Date for October 23 Convening on College Access
  6. November 7 Deadline to Apply and Receive an Emergency License
  7. Charter School Amendment Requests and Renewal Applications
  8. Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant
  9. MCAS Data Explorer
  10. EPA 2023 Clean School Bus Program Funding Opportunity
  11. For Your Info: NAGB seeking nominations

September 25, 2023

  1. Board Recap
  2. Pictures of the Week: Mary M. Walsh Elementary in Springfield
  3. National Blue Ribbon Schools
  4. Orientations to Educational Stability
  5. General Curriculum and Middle School Humanities MTEL Scores
  6. Grant for Supporting School Arts & Cultural Vitality Review Teams
  7. Presidential Scholar Student Nomination Guidelines Available
  8. Registration Open for U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship Program
  9. Governor's Youth Advisory Council
  10. School Level Administrator Rubric Community of Practice
  11. School-Based Medicaid Program Reminder
  12. Innovation Career Pathways Planning Grants
  13. For Your Info:
    • Mass Health and Health Connector support
    • Nominate an art teacher for recognition
    • Forum on scholarships and military pathways

September 18, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Pictures of the Week: GNBVT and the Lloyd Center
  3. Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
  4. Approaches to Play and Learning Resource Pilot
  5. Welcoming Newcomers
  6. Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair
  7. Anti-Hazing Data Collection
  8. Novice-Level Arts Teachers Invited to Join a Community of Peers
  9. School Custodian Day is October 2
  10. Continuum of Services Professional Learning Program
  11. Reminder about CTE Schools' Access to Middle Schools
  12. For Your Info:
    • USED Regional Advisory Committees
    • Symposium on Gifted Education

September 5, 2023

  1. Civics Pathways
  2. Picture of the Week: Literacy academies in Wakefield
  3. Mandated Reporter Training
  4. Members Sought for MCAS Development and Bias and Sensitivity Committees
  5. U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominations
  6. DPH Grants Related to Gun Violence and Related Trauma
  7. New MassDEP Reporting Requirement on Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles
  8. Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grants
  9. Reminder on Homeless Student Guidance
  10. For Your Info: Educational stability requirements

August 28, 2023

  1. Strengthening Family-School Partnership Grant
  2. Picture of the Week: Chelsea Back to School Celebration
  3. Public Comment Extended on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
  4. Expanding Spoken Language Interpretation in Schools
  5. Anticipated CTE/VTE Advisory Council Vacancies
  6. Mentors Needed for the Arts Mentoring Network
  7. Deeper Learning Implementation Grant
  8. Registration Open for Family School Partnership Summit
  9. Educational Stability Office Hours
  10. DESE Resource Corner: Guidance on supporting homeless students during the state of emergency
  11. For Your Info:
    • Massachusetts Health Connector
    • Resource on racially inclusive school communities

August 21, 2023

  1. Superintendent's Checklist
  2. Picture of the Week: Brockton High School Marching Band
  3. Welcoming Newcomers
  4. Registration Reminder for Education Security Portal
  5. EdTech Peer Learning Cohort
  6. EWIS and Data Usage Sessions
  7. New High Quality Instructional Materials Purchase Grant
  8. Massachusetts Literacy Institute Grant
  9. Comments Sought on English Learner Documents
  10. For Your Info: YouthWorks opportunity

August 14, 2023

  1. Investigating History Curriculum Introduction Webinar
  2. Picture of the Week
  3. Supplemental Low-Income Data Collection Webinars
  4. Registration Reminder for Education Security Portal
  5. Public Comment Sought on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
  6. Members Sought for Gifted and Talented Advisory Council

August 7, 2023

  1. History Teacher of the Year
  2. Pictures of the Week: Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Integration Academies
  3. Training for Mandated Reporters Coming
  4. Mathematics Digital Supplement Program
  5. Input Sought on Possible Media Arts Endorsement
  6. Members Sought for Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council
  7. EdTech Peer Learning Cohort
  8. Welcoming Newcomers (Updated Registration Links)
  9. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant Reminder
  10. Public Comment Sought on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
  11. For Your Info:
    • MassHealth reminder
    • Still time for college this fall

July 31, 2023

  1. Extension Opportunity for ESSER II
  2. Picture of the Week: Celebrating the FRESH Grant
  3. New ELE and WL Director Induction
  4. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant
  5. High-Quality Instructional Materials Network
  6. Creating a Welcoming Environment for Newcomer Students and Families
  7. EWIS and Data Usage Sessions

July 24, 2023

  1. Approaches to Address Student Cellphone Use Pilot Grant
  2. Picture of the Week: Fall River Summer Enrichment
  3. Required Reporting on SROs and Mental, Social, and Emotional Health Support Staff
  4. Registration Reminder for Education Security Portal
  5. Registration Open for Mass Literacy Overview Course
  6. Food Security Grants

July 17, 2023

  1. Hate Crimes Prevention Grant
  2. Picture of the Week: Summer programs in Lawrence
  3. Comments Sought on English Learner Documents
  4. Summer Nights
  5. Safer Schools and Communities Initiative Grants

July 10, 2023

  1. New Members Sought for Racial Imbalance Advisory Council
  2. Picture of the Week: Chelsea Opportunity Academy

July 3, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Public Comment Sought on Draft Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework
  3. Picture of the Week
  4. Teacher Diversification Grant

June 26, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: DESE Book Club and Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students
  3. FY24 My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP)
  4. SEL and Wellness Course
  5. 2023 District Induction and Mentoring Survey
  6. For Your Info: Free summer workshop series on digital citizenship

June 20, 2023

  1. Computer Science (CS) Engage Grant
  2. Picture of the Week: West Somerville Neighborhood School
  3. Comments Sought on English Learner Documents
  4. DESE Resource Corner: WIDA self-paced workshops
  5. Sharing Promising Practices: Phoenix Charter Lawrence's Makerspace
  6. For Your Info: Smithsonian education summit

June 12, 2023

  1. High School Network for Staffing/Scheduling Redesign
  2. Picture of the Week: Chelsea Graduation Parade
  3. Reminder on Restraint Reporting
  4. Early Literacy Screening Guidance
  5. Reminder about Child Labor Laws
  6. Model Medical Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan
  7. For Your Info: MassHealth renewals

June 5, 2023

  1. District Team Registration Open for Family School Partnership Summit
  2. Pictures of the Week: Civics Project Showcase
  3. Investigating History Curriculum Now Available
  4. Apply for the SY24 Principal and Teacher Advisory Cabinet
  5. FRESH Grants
  6. Child Labor Laws
  7. For Your Info: Discrimination in student discipline

May 30, 2023

  1. Board Recap
  2. Picture of the Week: Framingham Girls in STEM
  3. Health and Wellness School and District Leader Networking
  4. Educator Evaluation Webinar
  5. Next Generation ESL Project Webinar
  6. Expanded STEM Opportunities
  7. SY24 Math Tutoring for Fourth and Eighth Graders
  8. Early Literacy High-Dosage Tutoring for K-3 Students
  9. For Your Info:
    • School avoidance webinar
    • Girls on the Run
    • Federal guidance on protected prayer and religious expression
    • Condition of Education

May 22, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: 2023 Teacher of the Year Finalists
  3. Innovation Career Pathways Prospective Applicant Workshop
  4. Summer Acceleration Academies Grant
  5. Save the Date for 2023 Better Together Family Engagement Summit
  6. Sharing Promising Practices: Bridge Boston Art Show
  7. For Your Info: Student Reading Challenge

May 15, 2023

  1. U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced
  2. Picture of the Week: ACCEPT Education Collaborative
  3. Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council to Meet
  4. Alternative Education Spring Convening
  5. Webinars on SY24 Purple Star Award Designation
  6. Drop-In Sessions on Staffing-Related Topics
  7. Reminder on Restraint Reporting
  8. Learn about Two Family/School Partnership Strategies
  9. CTE Partnership Grants

May 8, 2023

  1. It's a Busy Week
  2. Pictures of the Week: Westfield Math Acceleration Academy
  3. Virtual Youth Mental Health Trainings
  4. Expanded STEM Opportunities
  5. Tools to Build Stronger Family School Partnerships
  6. Career Technical Initiative Round 8
  7. Info Session on New Clean Energy Pathway
  8. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists
  9. Summer Instructional Leadership Institute
  10. Comment Sought on Proposed Changes to Licensure Regulations
  11. Free School Bus Electrification Planning

May 1, 2023

  1. Board Recap
  2. STEM Summit
  3. Celebrate School Lunch Heroes on Friday, May 5
  4. Medical Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plan Webinars
  5. Maintaining Students' Sense of Belonging
  6. Discuss Staffing Challenges
  7. Boston Public Schools Receives Federal Green Ribbon Recognition
  8. DESE Resource Corner: MCAS resources
  9. Clean Energy Innovation Career Pathway
  10. Reminder about Family Resource Center Survey
  11. For Your Info:
    • Supporting students' mental health through creative arts
    • Removing barriers for youth impacted by the foster care system

April 24, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Student Government Day
  3. Semifinalists for 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
  4. FY24 Safe and Supportive Schools Competitive Grant
  5. Family Institute for Student Success Information Sessions
  6. Supporting Additional Learning Time Grant for New 21st CCLC Sites
  7. Youth Climate Council
  8. Innovation Career Pathways Prospective Applicant Workshop
  9. Registration for New Education Security Portal
  10. For Your Info: "Why Medicaid Matters" webinar

April 18, 2023

  1. Volunteer as a Community Advisor at a Statewide Civics Project Showcase
  2. Pictures of the Week: Early College at Fitchburg High School
  3. STEM Summit
  4. New Innovation Career Pathways Announced
  5. Sharing Promising Practices: Arts in the Curriculum at Hilltown
  6. For Your Info:
    • Extra SNAP benefits this spring
    • Protecting student privacy
    • Hosting exchange students

April 10, 2023

  1. Dighton-Rehoboth Educator Surprised with Milken Award
  2. Picture of the Week: Advanced Placement Day at the State House
  3. Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub Launches Research Advisory Committee
  4. New Members Needed for Student Advisory Councils
  5. Short Survey on School Interactions with Family Resource Centers
  6. Early College Designation Info Session
  7. Transformative SEL Professional Development
  8. Reminder about Drinking Water Program
  9. Sharing Promising Practices: Theater and Arts at Codman Academy
  10. For Your Info: Outreach toolkit about renewing MassHealth

April 3, 2023

  1. Board Recap
  2. Administrator Rubric Community of Practice
  3. Implementing Assessments and Feedback to Accelerate Learning
  4. Center for School and District Partnership Professional Learning Portfolio for SY24
  5. DCR Opportunities
  6. Save the Date and Call for Presenters for Family-School Partnership Summit
  7. Applications Open for Influence 100
  8. STEM Summit
  9. For Your Info:
    • "Autism Goes to College"
    • Teach Plus fellowship

March 27, 2023

  1. Board to Meet
  2. Picture of the Week: Hajjar Elementary in Billerica
  3. Updated IEP Form
  4. Elective Youth Risk Behavior Survey Pilot Program
  5. Reminder: FY23 SOA Progress Reports Due Soon
  6. Military Compact Office Hours with the Educational Stability Team
  7. Civics Project Virtual Support
  8. Creating a Welcoming Environment for Newcomer Students and Families
  9. Help Update the Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL)
  10. School Choice Participation
  11. New Security Portal Registration Coming Soon

March 20, 2023

  1. Job Fair Coming April 12
  2. Picture of the Week: Boston Debate League
  3. Equity through Early Literacy Webinar Series
  4. New Provisional Licenses for Principals Available
  5. Applications Available for Extending "Old" Emergency Licenses
  6. Alternate Educator Licensure Assessments
  7. Behavioral Health Resources
  8. Elementary Principals and Early Childhood Coordinators Spring Network Sessions
  9. Distinguished Educator Recognition Program
  10. Seeking Feedback on Potential Summer Instructional Leadership Institute
  11. New Early College Partnerships
  12. For Your Info:
    • MassHealth redetermination webinars
    • Mental health student expression contest

Last Updated: March 18, 2024

 
Contact Us

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

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

Directions

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.