On September 1, 2023, updated Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval were released. These Guidelines articulate the expectation that all aspiring educators be prepared in evidence-based practices that well serve all students in Massachusetts, particularly those from systemically underserved groups and communities, such that they will have equitable opportunities to excel in all content areas across all grades. The guidelines include requirements for expected outcomes of training new educators as well as the process providers undergo to demonstrate their capacity and sustainability in preparing individuals in alignment with those expectations.
The Guidelines were shaped and informed by contributions from over 450 educator preparation personnel, preparation candidates and recent completers, district and school leaders, educators, and PK-12 students and families from across the Massachusetts. We have deep gratitude for these stakeholders' feedback. We also appreciate the members of the Educational Personnel Advisory Council, Educator Preparation Advisory Group, and Principal and Teacher Advisory Cabinet who provided ongoing collaboration throughout the revision process. Their contributions underscore a collective commitment to preparing educators in evidence-based, anti-racist, and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices in order to meet the needs of all students.
We commit to continuing to work with these and other stakeholders to improve the experiences and outcomes of the PK–12 students, current educators, and future educators of Massachusetts.
2023 Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval
September Memo: Release of the Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval
The anticipated academic year for each Sponsoring Organization's next review can be found in this Anticipated Review Timelines document.
As the Guidelines provide a high-level description of expectations and processes, stakeholders also requested resources to strengthen their understanding of the shifts and how they align with expectations for PK–12 schools and districts. In addition to the changes made to the Guidelines, we have and will continue to provide more detail through a variety of resources, updates, and communications.
In the coming months, we will be building out, refining, and sharing resources that detail each step of the program approval process. We will also be developing recruitment, training, and support resources for our external reviewers and materials for organizations undergoing review. Throughout this work, we will rely on collaboration through several key opportunities, including:
PST/CAP Working Group — Members of the Working Group will inform updates to the PST Guidelines and aligned revisions to the CAP Guidelines.
Communities of Practice — Starting this fall, DESE will be hosting regular, open-door sessions for colleagues across Sponsoring Organizations to brainstorm, problem-solve, and share best practices on key topics elevated through public comment. Additional information about the Communities of Practice will be shared soon.
Please reach out to EducatorPreparation@mass.gov with any questions.
Last Updated: September 13, 2023
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
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