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 does Basic, Functional, Fluent, and Expert content knowledge mean?
• Can a passing score on an MTEL be used to verify content knowledge in a transcript review?
• Are Crosscutting SMKs required to be part of every approved licensure program?
• Can you clarify the expectations for the Digital Literacy Crosscutting SMK (i.e. "Apply basic principles and concepts for digital literacy and computer science … as outlined in the 2016 Digital Literacy Computer Science Framework") Crosscutting SMK?
• When do Crosscutting SMKs need to be implemented for licensure programs that to date have no updated Frameworks?
• Do the Crosscutting SMKs have any impact on the SEI Endorsement given they are required for all Initial Teacher licensure programs (not just core academic programs)?
• The prior SMK requirements included content knowledge needed in the Foundations of Reading MTEL assessment; where are these now?
• Are there going to be specific SMK for teachers, beyond having the content knowledge defined by the Curriculum Frameworks for students?
• What tools are available to help Sponsoring Organizations ensure program completers have appropriate SMK coverage?
• Will you be hosting workshops on the implications for Teacher Preparation programs of using K–12 Curriculum Content Standards for SMKs?
• What resources can Sponsoring Organizations' faculty and staff use to better understand the MA Curriculum Frameworks?
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• What resources can Sponsoring Organizations' faculty and staff use to better understand the MA Curriculum Frameworks?

  • Frameworks website. In addition to housing all the Frameworks, individuals have access to:

    • "Highlights" of the framework revisions that impact planning and assessment (available for Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy)

    • Grade-by-grade explanations, and

    • Quick Reference Guides (QRGs). The QRGs are each two pages and each cover a specific topic of importance in the corresponding Frameworks.

  • Standards-Based Learning videos provide an overview of how educators are approaching standards-based learning in different content areas and grades.

  • What to Look For Observation Guides (WTLFs). The WTLFs summarize standards for the relevant grade level and content area and lists teacher and student behaviors aligned with the model evaluation rubric and the Frameworks.

  • Writing Standards in Action (WSA) Project, which annotates student work to show how it demonstrates mastery of the Massachusetts standards. The 2017 ELA/Literacy Framework also links directly from specific standards to relevant writing samples.

Last Updated: August 16, 2023