August 2022
As we head into a new school year, our team at DESE is renewing our focus on teaching and learning. While we'll continue to help districts respond to public health challenges this year, we know that the core of our work, the work we're uniquely positioned to do, is about making learning engaging and exciting.
As we expand our deeper learning initiatives, we hope to see more educators empowered to make learning fun again. Every student deserves the type of classroom that keeps them asking questions long after they've left school for the day, the type of education that creates a spark. In fact, you'll see that spark reflected in our new logo.
Here's some of what you can expect to see from DESE this year:
Deeper learning: In today's world, young people need to successfully interpret information, apply new concepts, and collaborate. Deeper learning prepares educators to teach grade-level work that's interactive, relevant, fun, and helps students build ownership of their learning.
Educator diversity: Studies show that all students benefit from having racially and ethnically diverse teachers. That's why the state is collaborating with districts and schools on several initiatives focused on attracting and retaining talented educators from diverse backgrounds.
Early College: To help more Massachusetts students enroll and succeed in college, Early College partnerships between high schools and colleges give underrepresented students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school.
You might also enjoy viewing and sharing our back-to-school and partnership web pages and our back-to-school public service announcement, which recognizes how learning is rooted in community. And as always, our Superintendent's Checklist is posted to help administrative teams map out deadlines and responsibilities during the year.
Just like our students, we never stop learning, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you. Thank you for all that you do, and best wishes for the coming school year.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey C. Riley Commissioner
Last Updated: August 30, 2022
Our Way Forward
Educational Vision and Catalog of Aligned Supports
Catalog of Supports
Educational Vision
June 9, 2022 COVID-19 Testing FAQs
Archived COVID-19 Guidance, March 2020–June 2021
Archived COVID-19 Guidance, April 2021–March 2022
Archived COVID-19 Positive Cases, Sept. 2020–June 2022
Statewide Legal Holidays
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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.