MTEL Questions and Answers
Questions and answers have been broken down in to the following topic areas:
- Wheelock College’s MTEL Policy
- General MTEL Test Administration
- Alternative Testing Accommodations
- After the Test
- The MTEL and Seeking Teacher Licensure
1. What is Wheelock College's MTEL Policy?
According to Massachusetts law and regulations, to be licensed to teach in Massachusetts public schools, you must complete a state approved program of study and pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). The purpose of this test is to ensure that each licensed educator has the knowledge and skills essential to teaching in Massachusetts public schools.
MTEL Policy at Wheelock College:
All students in Wheelock educator licensure programs must meet the following requirements:
- Students in undergraduate educator licensure programs must pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test (including the Reading and Writing subtests) exam prior to registering for the first pre-practicum (Elementary Education) or practicum (Early Childhood and Special Needs).
- Students in undergraduate educator licensure programs must pass the necessary MTEL subject matter exams prior to undergraduate course selection for their education capstone course.
- Graduate students in a Master’s degree program leading to educator licensure must pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills (including the Reading and Writing subtests) and licensure-specific subject exam(s), including the Foundations of Reading test (if required), prior to registering for the appropriate Capstone course. Please note eligibility for summer Capstone requires that you have passed all required sections.
- Students in graduate educator licensure programs not leading to a Master’s degree are required to pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test, as well as the necessary licensure-specific subject matter exams prior to entrance into their program. These students do not need to pass the Foundations of Reading test before entering their program, but will need to pass it prior to registering for their Capstone course.
The College has a system of support for students preparing for the MTEL test. There is a sequence of courses—including writing courses—that should enhance a students’ ability to perform well on the MTEL. Students have an obligation to work with faculty members and advisors to develop a preparation plan that utilizes the College’s resources and offers students maximum opportunity for timely success on the MTEL.
2. General MTEL Test Administration Question and Answers
Where is the MTEL given?
The MTEL is offered in six areas in Massachusetts: Boston area, Greater Boston—Northern, Greater Boston—Southern, Central Massachusetts, Springfield area, and North Adams. On some dates, the MTEL is also administered out-of-state in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
When is the MTEL given?
The MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills and Subject Matter Tests will be administered five times over the 2007-2008 academic year in Massachusetts: September 15, 2007; November 17, 2007; March 8, 2008; May 10, 2008; and July 19, 2008. Five additional dates have been added for the Communication and Literacy Skills Test only: October 27, 2007; January 12, 2008; April 12, 2008; June 14, 2008; and August 2, 2008. As an education concentrator at Wheelock, it is important for you to consider the dates when the MTEL needs to be taken by in relation to your program. Please see Important Dates & Notices As They Relate to Program Requirements for more information.
How do I register to take the MTEL?
You can register online at the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure website or by mailing in a registration form. Registration forms are available in the MTEL Registration Bulletins are available in the Study Lounge (Library, 2nd Floor); and also from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in downloadable format at the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure website or by phone at 413-256-2892. Special note: students can register for succeeding MTEL test administrations by calling 413-256-2892.
What if I need to re-take a section, but the registration deadline for the next test administration falls before the test scores are due to come back?
Along with your score report, you will receive information about re-registering for an exam. If the test score mail date for the previous test administration falls after the registration deadline for the next test administration, you will still be able to register for the exam without being charged a late registration fee.
3. Alternative Testing Accommodations
How do I know if I am eligible to register for alternative
testing arrangements? If I am eligible how do I register?
The Massachusetts Department of Education lists the following criteria for test takers who can be eligible for alternative testing arrangements:
- Candidates whose religious practices do not allow them to test on Saturdays;
- Candidates with physical disabilities(e.g., visual impairments, motor disabilities, illness, or injury); or
- Candidates with disabilities other than physical
Requests for test administration modifications must specifically relate to an appropriate documented disability and must be reasonable in the context of the licensure test. To submit a request for alternative testing arrangements, you will need to submit an “Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form” by mail preferably by the regular registration deadline. This form is available in the MTEL Registration Bulletin. Once your request has been reviewed, you will receive notification from the testing company.
If you have documentation filed with the Office of Academic Advising and Assistance and have further questions about your documentation and how it relates to registering for the MTEL, please contact our Coordinator of Disability and Support Services at phastings@wheelock.edu.
4. After the Test
What if I need to re-take a section, but the registration deadline for the next test administration falls before the test scores are due to come back? If the test score mail date for the previous test administration falls after the registration deadline for the next test administration, you will still be able to register to re-take the exam you did not pass without being charged a late or emergency registration fee. In this case, you must register by the Emergency Registration Deadline, or you will not be able to take advantage of this waiver. Other things to consider:
- This waiver does not apply to cases of students waiting to receive their test scores for one exam before registering for a new exam. If you are waiting for your scores to be returned for one section, but want to register for a future test administration, you are encouraged to register for the upcoming test you want to take by the regular registration deadline.
- If you need alternative testing arrangements, and are registering on consecutive test dates, be sure to contact 413-256-2892 immediately if you need to re-take a section.
How do I have the test rescored?
If you are not satisfied with your test score, you may have your test rescored by submitting a written request (including your name and test date). You will be charged a $25 fee for this service. When the test is rescored, keep in mind that the testing company is rescoring multiple choice items only. When open-response items were initially reviewed, there were at least two scorers reviewing your exam, so the testing company’s position is that the grades remain. Therefore, your paying for a rescore applies to multiple choice items only.
What do I do with my scores? Does Wheelock need to see those scores?
Each program has specific dates that certain parts of the MTEL need to be passed by (please see Important Dates & Notices As They Relate to Program Requirements for more information). In order to be eligible for entrance into certain required coursework, you will need to show passage of the required MTEL exam(s) for that particular gateway. You may select Wheelock College as a recipient of your test scores. Or, if you would prefer to provide the college with your testing information at a later date, you must bring a copy of your official score report to Mary McCormack in the Office of Academic Advising and Assistance (103 ACW).
5. The MTEL and Seeking Teacher Licensure
I have completed all the sections of the MTEL that are required of my
program, does that mean I am licensed? What do I need to do from here?
Passage of the MTEL alone is not enough to obtain licensure. The Initial Licensure for educators in Massachusetts must be obtained through completion of a state-approved educator preparation program.
Are Wheelock alumni required to take this test when they apply for recertification or for licensure in a new field?
Teachers who have Initial Licensure are not required to re-take the MTEL in order to obtain the next stage of licensure, the Professional License. Licensure in a new field usually requires only a passing score on the new subject area test. Two exceptions are the elementary and moderate disabilities licenses, which both require an additional 150 hour practicum. Teachers with Professional Licensure do not have to re-take or take new MTEL tests when they renew the Professional License every five years.
For more information, contact the Department of Education at licensurerenewal@doe.mass.edu for assistance with licensure questions. Recertification or licensure renewal questions are also answered by DOE personnel when addressed to licensurerenewal@doe.mass.edu. A recertification guidebook is also available on the DOE website.
- Test Information and Preparation
