Educator Services Licensure
Recertification

Guidelines for Massachusetts Educators

Section IV: Guidelines for Registered Providers

44.03 (2) (a)

PDPs may be awarded by registered providers to certificate holders who complete a professional development activity and demonstrate proficiency in the relevant subject area or skill through an appropriate end-of-course assessment that satisfies Department guidelines.

Registered providers may award 1 PDP per clock hour for professional development activities that strengthen educators' content and/or professional knowledge and skills when the educator has demonstrated proficiency through an end-of-course assessment. A registered provider may award 1.5 PDPs with Department approval for an Advanced Academic course of study.

Note: Accredited institutions of higher education do not need Department approval to offer Advanced Academic Study.

Registered professional development providers are expected to:

• Know the content of the relevant state Curriculum Frameworks
• Plan professional development with clear objectives, relevant learning activities and conclusions
• Incorporate technology tools and appropriate media
• Build on educators' prior knowledge and experience
• Use principles of adult learning theory to engage educators in professional growth
• Employ a variety of teaching techniques such as direct instruction, practice, discussion, problem-solving, Socratic dialogue and research projects
• Provide many and varied opportunities for educators to incorporate new knowledge and skills into classroom practice or school and district management
• Assess proficiency through an appropriate end-of-course assessment

End-of-Course Assessments

PDPs may be awarded after an educator has demonstrated proficiency in a relevant subject area. Courses, seminars or institutes that strengthen content knowledge must include an appropriate end-of-course assessment. In most instances this will mean a written exam.

PDPs may also be awarded after an educator has demonstrated proficiency in a professional skill. Courses, seminars or institutes related to classroom work or school and district management issues must include an appropriate end-of-course assessment. In most instances, this will mean an observable demonstration of learning that could include a written product or other documentable product.

All end-of-course assessments must assess at least 10 hours of professional development on a given topic.

The following organizations must register online with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to award PDPs:

• non-public schools
• not-for-profit organizations
• private, for-profit organizations and individuals
• educational partnerships and corporations
• educational agencies and associations

The Department is currently developing Guidelines and online Registration Forms for providers. Colleges and universities, public school districts, charter schools and educational collaboratives do not need to register with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Return to Table of Contents
[ Previous || Next ]