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<p>Whereas: The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) was initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1998 as part of statewide education reform initiative for educators seeking PreK to grade 12 academic licenses; and </p> <p>Whereas: The MTEL includes a test of communication and literacy skills as well as tests of subject matter knowledge and performance on MTEL is predictive of teacher performance and student achievement; and </p> <p>Whereas: There are disparate pass rates for candidates of color on the MTEL and there are teachers in the field who have not been able to pass the MTEL and this pool includes more teachers of color; and </p> <p>Whereas: Standardized tests have historically under-assessed the knowledge and professional capabilities of students and professionals of color; and </p> <p>Whereas: A more diverse workforce has a positive effect on student success and at Cambridge Public Schools, the district plan has identified a goal to 30 percent of all teachers be teachers of color by the end of 2020; and </p> <p>Whereas: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Board is considering conducting a pilot of alternative assessments that are rigorous and comparable to MTEL to assess candidates' skills and content knowledge and is taking comments on regulatory amendment until March 13; and</p> <p>THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the School Committee go on record in support of DESE adopting pilot alternatives to the MTEL; and</p> <p>BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the School Committee submit a letter to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in support of pilot alternatives to MTEL during the public comment period.</p>