ComLit MTEL Update – Comments due 9/30

The questions and content covered Communications and Literacy MTEL are facing an update. Your chance to comment on the required test for educator licensure is happening now.

In 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education drafted a Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Communication and Literacy Skills (CLS2) Framework that will guide the redevelopment of the Communications and Literacy Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (ComLit MTEL). It is well documented that the ComLit MTEL has a history of disparate pass rates among candidates of color. Calls from the Massachusetts Teachers Association and others to offer non-test alternatives (such as coursework) or reciprocity with other state assessments have yielded no permanent changes. The ComLit MTEL is a required assessment for all individuals who apply for a teacher or administrator licensure in Massachusetts.

Instead, DESE has invested in creating a new set of content frameworks to replace the old test with a new test. The good news is that it is your turn to share your feedback on the first round of proposed changes.

Public comment is being collected through a survey tool here survey.alchemer.com/s3/7897350/Public-Comment-Culturally-and-Linguistically-Sustaining-Communication-and-Literacy-Skills-Framework

Take a look at the full document:

Policy Implications

The CLS2 framework will not replace the ComLit MTEL nor will it change the ComLit MTEL as a licensure requirement in policy or regulations. We will need a side quest to make a legislative change to ” the candidate shall (1) hold a bachelor’s degree in arts or sciences from an accredited college or university with a major course in the arts or sciences appropriate to the instructional field; (2) pass a test established by the board which shall consist of two parts: (A) a writing section which shall demonstrate the communication and literacy skills necessary for effective instruction and improved communication between school and parents; and (B) the subject matter knowledge for the certificate; and (3) be of sound moral character.” (Mass. Gen. Laws, ch.71, § 38G).

Historically, the Communications and Literacy MTEL has been an application requirement for most teacher preparation programs. The Office of Educator Licensure at DESE will not review most license applications until there is a passing score on the ComLit MTEL on file. Changes to the test content that reflect deep knowledge of professional skills, school operations, ethics and family systems will either drive educator preparation programs to change their policies regarding test-based admissions policies or we will see even fewer candidates seek admission to teacher preparation programs.

FAQ (will be updated!)

What happens to the MTEL Alternative options with this new change? Unknown.
Will Massachusetts accept the Praxis Core or other state licensure tests as a result of these changes? No.
Does any other state or territory require a similar test? No.
Will current teachers be required to take the ComLit MTEL again? No.
Will teachers with the Emergency License be excused from the ComLit MTEL? No.
Can MTA file legislation to fix the teacher testing problems? Yes! Please share your thoughts here