Notice of Public Comment for 603 CMR 7.00, Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations

Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B, M.G.L. c. 69, c. 71, § 38G, and § 300(d) of c. 238 of the Acts of 2024 (the Mass Leads Act) 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 proposed amendments to the Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval Regulations, 603 CMR 7.00.

The proposed amendments will create a new alternative licensure pathway, consistent with Section 300(d) of the Mass Leads Act (see link: Economic Development Bill ) allowing a waiver of one of the two tests that comprise the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Key provisions of the proposed amendments include the following:

• New and amended definitions in 603 CMR 7.02 in alignment with the proposed alternative licensure pathway
• New language in 603 CMR 7.04 outlining the alternative licensure pathway that would allow waiver of the communication and literacy skills test or a subject matter knowledge test
• Revisions to the "add license" options in 603 CMR 7.15 to include alternative assessments and the proposed alternative licensure pathway
• New implementation language in 603 CMR 7.15 to include timelines for implementing revised subject matter knowledge requirements
• Revisions to non-substantive language to update references in various sections of the regulations.

Copies of the proposed amendments are available on the Department's website at Public Comment Submission Page, or by calling 781-338-3292. Public comments may be submitted online by completing this form , or by email to EducatorPreparation@mass.gov , or by mail to: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner's Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. The deadline to submit public comment is Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:00 pm. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed amendments at its regular monthly meeting in March 2026.