Code of Massachusetts Regulations
603 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Title 603 CMR 44.00 - Educator License Renewal
Section 44.02 - Definitions

As used in 603 CMR 44.00, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional License. All other Professional level licenses, other than the Primary area license.

Advanced Academic Study. A course of study in the content area that is equivalent to an upper-level undergraduate course or a graduate-level course. Department guidelines will provide that upper-level undergraduate courses may qualify for advanced academic study where the content is substantially new to the Educator (e.g., elementary teachers addressing content of the Curriculum Frameworks in subject area new to the Educator).

Board. The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Bilingual Education. An educational program that involves teaching academic content in two languages, English and another language. Program types determine the varying amounts of each language used in instruction. Bilingual education programs include dual language education or two-way immersion and transitional bilingual education programs, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71 A, § 2, and any other bilingual program types that may be approved by the Department.

Commissioner. The Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Content Area. The academic discipline or subject matter knowledge of a license.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU). A unit of measurement of professional development activities that meet the requirements of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training.

Department. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Educator. A person who has been issued a Professional license as defined by 603 CMR 7.02: Definitions.

Educator Plan. A Plan developed as part of each Educator's evaluation pursuant to 603 CMR 35.00: Evaluation of Educators.

Endorsement. A supplementary credential issued to an Educator licensed under 603 CMR 7.00: Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval, or a credential issued to an individual otherwise required by law or regulation to obtain such credential, indicating satisfactory knowledge and skill to perform services in the area(s) specified.

Inactive License. A license that is not renewed within five years of its issuance or most recent renewal, whichever is later.

Individual Professional Development Plan. A five year plan developed by an Educator that outlines the professional development activities for the renewal of the Educator's license(s) or a series of Educator Plans reflecting such activities.

Invalid License. A license that is not renewed within the five year active period and that is not renewed within the five year inactive period, as provided in 603 CMR 44.07.

License. A Professional Educator license issued to a person who has met the preparation and eligibility requirements established by the Board for a Professional license. This license is equivalent to a standard Educator certificate as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 38G. Professional licenses are valid for five calendar years and are renewable for additional five year terms.

Primary License. The license so designated by an Educator who has more than one Professional license. The Primary License is usually the license under which the Educator is employed. If the Educator is employed in a position that requires more than one license, the Educator may designate which of the licenses is the Primary License.

Professional Development Point (PDP). A unit of measurement of professional development activities. One clock hour is equivalent to one Professional Development Point. One semester hour is equivalent to 15 PDPs. One continuing education unit is equivalent to ten PDPs. However, professional development activities sponsored or approved by the Department and advanced academic studies will receive 1.5 PDPs per clock hour. Department guidelines will detail the PDPs earned by professional development activities not readily measured in clock hours.

Sheltered English Immersion (SEP. Shall have the meaning set forth in M.G.L. c. 71 A, § 2.

Sheltered English Immersion (SEP Endorsement. An SEI Teacher Endorsement and SEI Administrator Endorsement issued to an Educator in accordance with 603 CMR 7.14: General Provisions.

Topic. A single or tightly integrated area of study within an academic discipline or related to a particular method of teaching or administration.