Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

Mission and Vision

DESEs mission is to empower educators, families, and communities to provide highquality education that prepares every student for success in college, career, and civic life. The vision emphasizes a collaborative system where every child has access to rigorous instruction, supportive resources, and opportunities to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Curriculum Standards: Development and implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core State Standards.
• Assessment & Accountability: Administering the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and reporting school performance data.
• Teacher Licensure: Issuing and renewing teaching certificates, overseeing professional development.
• School Improvement: Providing guidance on school improvement plans, turnaround strategies, and support for lowperforming schools.
• Special Education: Ensuring compliance with IDEA and state regulations, offering resources for individualized education programs (IEPs).
• Early Childhood Education: Promoting highquality preK programs and expanding universal preK access.
• Equity Initiatives: Addressing achievement gaps through the Equity and Access Initiative and the Departments Racial Equity Action Plan.

Organizational Structure

DESE is led by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, who reports to the Secretary of Education. The department is organized into several offices, including:

• Office of Academic Programs
• Office of Data and Assessment
• Office of Special Education Services
• Office of Equity and Access
• Office of Early Childhood Services
• Office of Workforce Development

Major Programs and Initiatives

1. Early College Initiative (ECI)

ECI partners K12 schools with community colleges and universities to provide collegelevel coursework, dual enrollment, and industry certifications. The goal is to reduce the time and cost of postsecondary education.

2. Universal PreK

Massachusetts aims to provide free, highquality preK for all 4yearolds in the state. The program emphasizes developmental curricula, family engagement, and qualified teachers.

3. Massachusetts STEAM Network

This network supports schools in integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through professional development, curriculum resources, and grants.

4. Racial Equity Action Plan

Launched in 2021, the plan addresses systemic inequities by collecting disaggregated data, revising discipline policies, and expanding culturally responsive teaching.

5. School Improvement Grants (SIG)

SIG provides targeted funding to schools identified for improvement based on MCAS performance, enrollment data, and other indicators. Grants support instructional coaching, data analysis, and community partnership development.

Accountability and Data Transparency

DESE maintains an open data portal where stakeholders can explore school and district performance metrics, including:

• MCAS results by grade, subject, and subgroup
• Graduation and dropout rates
• Studentteacher ratios
• Financial expenditure reports

The portal is accessible at Massachusetts Education Profiles and is updated annually.

Support for Educators

DESE offers a range of resources for teachers and administrators, such as:

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Collaborative groups focused on instructional strategies and data-driven decision making.
• Massachusetts Teacher Leaders Academy: A program that prepares teachers for leadership roles within their schools and districts.
• Online Resource Library: Free access to curriculum modules, lesson plans, and assessment tools.

How to Get Involved

Parents, community members, and stakeholders can participate in DESEs work through several avenues:

• Public Comment Periods: Draft policies and standards are released for public review.
• School Committee Meetings: Local committees discuss district plans and budgets.
• Volunteer Programs: Opportunities range from mentoring to serving on advisory councils.

Contact Information

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
100 Cambridge Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 7274100
Email: info@doe.mass.edu
Website: https://www.doe.mass.edu/