S 286 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act ensuring diversity in public education

This bill updates the certification requirements for provisional educators and vocational-technical instructors in Massachusetts public schools. It mandates that all candidates hold a relevant bachelor's degree and pass proficiency tests or complete alternative assessments covering communication skills and subject matter knowledge. Additionally, the legislation requires vocational-technical instructors to pass specific performance and written tests as well as complete an approved seminar on teaching methods. These changes directly affect individuals seeking teaching positions by establishing new standards for their initial certification.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 1, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Feb 29, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors