About MTEL-Flex

A flexible testing option for eligible teacher candidates

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is pleased to announce the availability of an assessment option, MTEL-Flex, for candidates who have previously taken but not yet passed an MTEL test, and whose score was very close to the passing score.

The MTEL-Flex assessment option is currently available for the following fields:

  • English
  • English as a Second Language
  • Foundations of Reading
  • General Curriculum Subtest 1: Language Arts and History/Social Science
  • General Curriculum Subtest 2: Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering
  • General Science
  • History/Social Science
  • Mathematics (Middle School)
  • Mathematics (Secondary)
  • Spanish

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an MTEL-Flex assessment, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You took and did not pass the current version of one of the MTEL subject-matter tests noted above on or after the date indicated on the corresponding MTEL-Flex assessment page.
  2. Your score on that test is within one standard error of measurement to the passing score. The score required to be eligible for a specific MTEL-Flex assessment is noted on each MTEL-Flex assessment page.

If you meet these eligibility criteria, then an MTEL-Flex assessment will automatically be an available option when you register for a test. There is no separate action that you are required to take. If you do not meet these eligibility criteria, then you will not be able to register for MTEL-Flex.

MTEL-Flex Assessment Overview

Candidates will follow the directions in the MTEL-Flex Handbook and the assessment-specific template to provide an analysis of an MTEL test objective to demonstrate the depth of their subject matter knowledge. Most candidates (with the exception of candidates taking the MTEL-Flex Spanish—Oral Expression) will provide a written submission to demonstrate their subject matter knowledge.

After registering for MTEL-Flex, candidates will gain access to Pearson's ePortfolio system, where they will upload and submit their work. Candidates who pass MTEL-Flex will meet the relevant subject matter test requirement for an Academic PreK–12 educator license (first Massachusetts license); however, they may still need to take and pass additional subject matter tests as required for their licensure area.

To learn more about a specific MTEL-Flex assessment and to access the assessment materials, please visit the MTEL-Flex assessment page.

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