Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Logo
Educator Effectiveness

Subject Matter Knowledge Frequently Asked Questions — April 2019

The Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) Guidelines released in August 2018 reflect a significant shift in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE's) approach to outlining content expectations for teachers, emphasizing the importance of aligning standards for students with expectations for educators. Below are some of the questions we have received from the field about implementing updates in alignment with the SMK Guidelines. If you have additional questions, please reach out to EducatorPreparation@mass.gov .


  • Can a passing score on an MTEL be used to verify content knowledge in a transcript review?

    Per the SMK Guidelines, a passing score on an MTEL indicates the candidate has Functional knowledge of the content area (see p. 3 of the SMK Guidelines ). For Initial licensure programs, Sponsoring Organizations are required to ensure completers demonstrate content Fluency. In other words, Functional is knowing the content; Fluency is knowing how to teach the content.

    • Last Updated: August 16, 2023

 
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.