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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 .


  • What tools are available to help Sponsoring Organizations ensure program completers have appropriate SMK coverage?

    There are three tools DESE created to facilitate this process alongside the SMK Guidelines and SMK Implementation Memo. The SMK Program of Study Mapping Tool will help Sponsoring Organizations ensure a program's coursework addresses all of the required subject matter knowledge in the Curriculum Framework. The SMK Candidate Tracking Tool will help staff advise candidates both upon admission for transcript review, as well as throughout the program to ensure sufficient content knowledge. Finally, the Crosscutting SMK Matrix will help staff ensure each Initial Teacher program of study prepares completers to be fluent in all areas. Note: This Crosscutting SMK Matrix is required to be submitted with the Statement of Assurance due by May 30, 2020.

    • Last Updated: August 16, 2023

 
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