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Focused research questions drive our progress. DESE is guided by three strategies set by the Office of Planning and Research (OPR):
Successful completion of CAP is required for all Initial Teacher preparation programs.
CAP Guidelines and Resources
Please visit the PST and CAP Guidelines webpage for the guidelines, implementation handbook, quick reference guides, and more.
CAP Online Platform
Sponsoring organizations are required to send all formative and summative ratings for all CAP participants to DESE by uploading their data to the CAP Online Platform. Please visit the CAP Online Platform webpage for user guides and answers to frequently asked questions.
As outlined in 603 CMR 7.03 (5), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is required to administer and publicly report survey data about the quality of educator preparation in the state. This requirement is intended to grant access to perceptions of teacher readiness in the Commonwealth to both preparation providers and the general public.
Last Updated: August 1, 2025