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The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Educator Effectiveness

Massachusetts Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL)

PAL Updates
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The Massachusetts Performance Assessment for Leaders, or PAL, is to evaluate the readiness of school leadership candidates for initial licensure in the Commonwealth. This system enables principal/assistant principal candidates to demonstrate their leadership knowledge and skills based on actual experiences within their schools as part of a preparation pathway and to meet licensure requirements. This assessment is comprised of four performance-based tasks that measure a candidate's practice as it aligns to the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership. Unlike standard paper and pencil tests, PAL includes performance assessment tasks that more closely reflect the authentic work of school leaders.

The PAL is a licensure requirement for all principal/assistant principal candidates.

As a reminder, beginning July 1, 2016 candidates will need to meet an overall passing score of 2.75.

Last Updated: December 30, 2023

 
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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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