Education Laws and Regulations

Notice of Public Comment for the Amendments to 603 CMR 7.00, Educator License and Preparation Program Approval Regulations- adopted as Emergency Regulations on 9/3/2020

Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B, and c. 71, § 38G, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on amendments to the regulations on Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval, 603 CMR 7.00.

The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted the regulatory amendments on an emergency basis on September 3, 2020, under delegated authority as voted by the Board on June 30, 2020. The emergency adoption was necessary so that the amendments could take effect immediately, in advance of school reopening for the 2020-2021 school year. The emergency amendments will be in effect for up to three months, during which time the Board invites public comment. After the public comment is reviewed, the Board plans to vote on permanent amendments at its meeting in November 2020.

The regulatory amendments allow school districts greater staffing flexibility for the 2020-2021 school year, as needed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the amendment to 603 CMR 7.15(9) will permit licensed educators to teach up to 50 percent of their time outside of their license area (up from 20 percent), except in a role requiring a Special Education, School Nurse, or English as a Second Language license. The amendment to 603 CMR 7.02 will permit individuals who hold a bachelor's degree to work in a teaching assignment as a long-term substitute for up to the full school year (increased from 90 days), except in a role requiring a Special Education or English as a Second Language license.

The amendments are available on the Department's website, or by calling 781-338-6642. Written comments on the amendments may be submitted by mail to: Educator Licensure Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148; by fax to: 781-338-3391; or by e-mail to: licensureregs2020@mass.gov. The deadline for submitting public comment is October 23, 2020. The Board is expected to vote on the permanent amendments at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for November 17, 2020.