Education Laws and Regulations

Regulations Review Summary and List of DESE Regulations

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is reviewing all the regulations under our jurisdiction in accordance with Governor Baker's Executive Order EO562. The review includes consideration of these factors, among others:

  • Purpose/necessity of the regulation
  • Year of most recent review or amendment
  • Whether the regulation is required by state or federal law
  • Reporting requirements associated with the regulation

As we conduct this regulatory review, DESE welcomes written suggestions and comments on how our current regulations could be improved. You may submit suggestions and comments by choosing any one of the following options:

  • Send a letter to:
    ESE Regulations Review
    C/O Helene Bettencourt
    Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
    135 Santilli Highway
    Everett, MA 02149
  • Send us an email: ESERegsReview@doe.mass.edu
  • Submit an on-line comment through the Executive Office of Administration and Finance electronic portal: A&F Portal for Comments

In accordance with G.L. c. 30A, the state Administrative Procedure Act, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will continue to invite and consider written public comment on all proposed regulations. Every proposed regulatory action (amendment, adoption or rescission) will be subject to public notice and opportunity to comment and will be posted on DESE's website and published by the Secretary of State in the Massachusetts Register.

Below is a listing of DESE regulations and the link to the complete regulations posted on the DESE's website.

RegulationTitle
603 CMR 1.00Charter Schools
603 CMR 2.00Accountability and Assistance for School Districts and Schools
603 CMR 4.00Vocational Education
603 CMR 5.00Dispute Resolution Under Parental Notification Law
603 CMR 7.00Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval
603 CMR 8.00Kindergartens: Minimum School Age
603 CMR 10.00School Finance and Accountability
603 CMR 14.00Education of English Learners
603 CMR 17.00Racial Imbalance And Magnet School Programs
603 CMR 18.00Program and Safety Standards for Approved Public or Private Day and Residential Special Education School Programs
603 CMR 23.00Student Records
603 CMR 26.00Access to Equal Educational Opportunity
603 CMR 27.00Student Learning Time
603 CMR 28.00Special Education
603 CMR 30.00Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System And Standards For Competency Determination
603 CMR 31.00Massachusetts Certificate of Mastery
603 CMR 33.00Anti-Hazing Reporting
603 CMR 35.00Evaluation of Educators
603 CMR 41.00Regional School Districts
603 CMR 44.00Educator License Renewal
603 CMR 46.00Physical Restraint
603 CMR 47.00Licensure of Adult Basic Education Teachers and Preparation Program Approval
603 CMR 48.00Innovation Schools
603 CMR 49.00Notification of Bullying and Retaliation
603 CMR 50.00Educational Collaboratives
603 CMR 51.00Criminal History Checks for School Employees
603 CMR 52.00Commonwealth of Massachusetts Virtual Schools
603 CMR 53.00Student Discipline

Thank you for your interest in working with DESE to improve public education in the Commonwealth.

Last Updated: November 9, 2015

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