WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 6035

A communication from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (see Section 288 of Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024) submitting a report on the Feasibility of No-Cost Testing Requirements for Educator Candidates

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

A targeted no-cost MTEL program is feasible and cost-effective at about $2.6 million annually, prioritizing near-passing candidates with vouchers, free prep, and wraparound licensu

Placed on file
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 6035

Overview

HD 6035 (Session 194th, Massachusetts) presents a report required by Section 288 of Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) analyzes the feasibility of allowing certain educator candidates to complete the MTEL testing requirements at no cost, and describes DESE’s recent voucher systems that pay licensure test fees. The report was prepared for March 2026 and submitted to the General Court.

Main purpose and intent

  • To evaluate whether an no-cost testing program for educator candidates is feasible.
  • To outline recommended program design, including vouchers, preparation, wraparound supports, and staff resources.
  • To inform lawmakers about costs, implementation considerations, and potential return on investment in licensure pathways.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Feasibility finding: A no-cost MTEL testing program for eligible educator candidates is feasible.
  • Eligibility and targeting (conceptual): The program would apply to candidates who qualify for financial assistance or who have:
    • Attempted MTEL testing (section 38G of chapter 70),
    • Failed to meet minimum passing standards,
    • Earned a score within 1 standard error of measurement (SEM) of passing.
  • Components of the proposed program:
    • Testing vouchers for MTELs (including CLST) and retakes, with a focus on candidates within -1 SEM of passing.
    • Free MTEL preparation courses for all educator candidates (expanded from 5 to 40 subjects).
    • Wraparound licensure supports to assist candidates through the testing and licensure process.
    • State staff support (1 full-time employee) to administer and oversee the program.
  • Cost estimates (annualized):
    • Comprehensive option (all MTELs, first attempts and retakes) would be about $5.4 million.
    • More targeted options (e.g., CLST + 1 subject test) around $2.5 million.
    • Recommended program cost: approximately $2.595 million annually, broken down as:
    • MTEL vouchers (retakes for candidates within -1 SEM): about $1.195 million
    • Free MTEL preparation: about $750,000
    • Comprehensive wraparound supports: about $500,000
    • State staff (1 FTE): about $150,000
    • Additional MTEL-related vouchers for other scenarios included in tables
  • Recommended program design:
    • Provide MTEL vouchers to candidates who have already attempted an MTEL and scored within -1 SEM of passing.
    • Offer free MTEL preparation courses to all educator candidates.
    • Provide wraparound licensure supports for all interested candidates.
    • Include funding for one state FTE to administer the program.
  • Data-driven rationale:
    • Historical voucher programs show many vouchers go unused; near-passing candidates (within -1 SEM) are more likely to benefit from vouchers.
    • MTEL preparation improves candidate readiness and licensure outcomes.
    • Coverage of all MTELs without consideration of readiness may be less cost-effective.

Who would be affected

  • Educator candidates seeking licensure in Massachusetts, particularly those nearing passing thresholds or facing financial barriers.
  • Educator Preparation Providers (through access to vouchers and preparation resources).
  • DESE and state staffing to administer vouchers, preparation programs, and wraparound supports.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Statutory requirement: The report is required under Section 288 of Chapter 238 (Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts' economic leadership).
  • Filing deadline: By October 1, 2025 (as specified in the act); DESE’s current report appears to be completed for March 2026.
  • Action history: The bill/report has been placed on file as of May 14, 2026.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • The scale of the program could affect costs; expansion beyond historical voucher usage could alter price and outcomes.
    • Possible interactions with other licensure policy changes (e.g., MTEL waivers under Mass Leads Act) that could reduce testing volume.

Notable details

  • MTEL cost structure used in estimates:
    • CLST: $112
    • MTEL subject tests: $139 (some alternatives vary; CLST subtests can be cheaper)
  • Participation estimates rely on historical averages:
    • Approximately 41,000 MTELs taken annually; about 10,000 unique candidates.
    • About 74% pass on first attempt; 89% pass on best attempt.
    • About 8,600 scores per year within -1 SEM of passing.
  • Preparation expansion:
    • Free MTEL preparation would expand from 5 to 40 subjects, with an annual development cost of about $750,000 and ongoing maintenance of $750,000 for preparation materials and access.

Summary

DESE’s report concludes that a targeted no-cost MTEL testing program is feasible and cost-effective at about $2.6 million annually when paired with free MTEL preparation, wraparound licensure supports, and one dedicated state staff member. The recommended approach prioritizes vouchers for candidates who are close to passing, coupled with broad access to free preparation and supportive services to maximize licensure success and educator workforce development.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.