Important Opportunity to Provide Public Comments on Proposed Amendments to MA Regulations Directly Impacting Dual Language Bilingual Education

The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has opened the public comment period for the following regulatory amendments:

1. Proposed Amendments to Regulations on Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval (Learn More: 603 CMR 7.00)

   • Notably, these amendments include provisions for the Bilingual Endorsement as an alternative to the Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement for initial licenses in core academic areas. This change could have a significant impact on the support and recognition of bilingual educators in our programs.
   • Public Comment Submission Form: English form, Spanish form, Portuguese form
   • Email Address to Submit Public Comment or Questions: EducatorPreparation@mass.gov
     

1. Proposed Amendments to Regulations on MCAS and Competency Determination (Learn More: 603 CMR 30.00)

   • This includes changes that may affect how bilingual students are assessed and their pathways to competency determination.
   • Public Comment Submission Form: English form, Spanish form, Portuguese form
   • Email Address to Submit Public Comment or Questions: Competency.Determination@mass.gov
     

Deadline to submit public comments is Friday, April 4, 2025 at 5:00pm. You can also mail public comments to: Regulations Public Comment, c/o Commissioner's Office, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149. This is a critical opportunity to advocate for policies that will support bilingual educators and students in Dual Language programs. Your feedback is essential to shaping the future of bilingual education in MA. Please also share this opportunity with your contacts to help ensure broad participation.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions to elenita.irizarry-ramos@mass.gov. More information at 2025 Public Comment Submission Page.