Developing an Adult Basic Education Licensure Process for Massachusetts
The ABE Teacher's License Update [formerly the "ABE Certification Update" and recently renamed to reflect changes in preK-12 licensure terminology] is published by the ESE (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) in coordination with SABES (System for Adult Basic Education Support) in an effort to keep practitioners and interested parties apprised of the status of the ABE Teacher's License. This Update, past issues, and other relevant documents are posted on the ESE Website www.doe.mass.edu/acls and the SABES Website www.sabes.org.
BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES REGULATIONS TO BE SENT OUT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
On January 23rd, the Board of Education approved the Proposed Regulations for the Licensure of Adult Basic Education and Preparation Program Approval to be released for public comment. Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B and 1H, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Education is soliciting public comment on the Proposed Regulations for Licensure of Adult Basic Education Teachers and Preparation Program Approval, 603 CMR 47.00. We will accept public comment through March 23, 2001.
Copies of the proposed regulations is available on the Department's web site or by calling 781-338-3854. Copies of both have also been sent to Directors of all ABE funded programs. Written comments on the proposed regulations may be submitted by mail to Mary Jayne Fay, ABE Certification Specialist, Adult and Community Learning Services, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, by fax to 781-338-3394, or by e-mail to mjfay@doe.mass.edu. The deadline for submission of public comment is Friday, March 23, 2001.
The Board of Education is expected to vote on the proposed regulations at its meeting on April 24, 2001.
It is also important to note that significant progress has been made in developing this license, thanks in no small part to the work of the ABE Certification Advisory Committee and the hundreds of ABE practitioners who have taken the time to attend focus groups and to send us feedback. This is no small accomplishment. This will be the first stand-alone ABE teacher's license in the nation! Other states typically build upon a pre-existing preK-12 license, or they issue an ABE certificate that isn't recognized by their state boards of education.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Department will hold formal public hearings in late February to gather feedback on the proposed regulations. The public hearings will give speakers the opportunity to have their voices heard by those making the policy decisions. Persons interested in speaking will need to sign up at the door on the night of the hearing. All speakers will be given three minutes to give their comments. Written comments will also be accepted during the hearings. The hearings will be audiotaped and will be made available to the public upon request. If special accommodations or interpretation is needed, please let us know in advance.
Scheduled Hearings:
February 22, from 3-7 p.m. in Room A300 at Bunker Hill Community College, 250 New Rutherford Ave., Boston, MA 02129-2991
March 13, 3-7 p.m. Scibelli Room, 7th floor, Springfield Technical Community College, 1 Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105
At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the draft will be revised, as appropriate, based on the feedback received.
NEW PILOT COURSES COMING IN MARCH 2001
"ABE Curriculum and Methods"
Hosted by Northeast SABES and developed/presented by Jeri Bayer and Alisa Povenmire.
March 23, 31, April 6, 27, May 4, 11, 18 [Fridays, except for 3/31].
Contact Sharon Clark at 978-738-7302 or klufts@aol.com for an application.
"ESOL I"
Hosted by Central SABES, developed by a MATSOL team--Johan Uvin, Janet Isserlis, and Marcia Chaffee--and
presented by members of that team.
March-May dates to be determined.
Contact Joanne Harrington at 508-854-4476 or joanneh@qcc.mass.edu for an application.
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS NEEDED?
Contact:
Mary Jayne Fay, ABE Certification Specialist, at MJFay@doe.mass.edu
or
Carey Reid, SABES Staff Development Specialist, at 617-482-9485 at CReid@worlded.org
last updated: February 1, 2001
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