What degree levels are included in the standards and which sets of standards should be used?
NMSA has standards for the initial, masters, and doctoral levels. All degree programs that lead to initial licensure should respond to the initial standards (e.g., baccalaureate; post-baccalaureate, initial; masters, initial). The advanced masters standards should be used for middle level teacher preparation programs that provide licensed middle level teachers with opportunities to improve their professional knowledge and practice. The degree must focus directly and exclusively on middle level teacher preparation. The doctoral standards should be used only for programs where a major emphasis of the degree is on preparing middle level educators. For example a general curriculum and instruction degree or an educational leadership degree would not be reviewed using NMSA Middle Level Teacher Preparation Standards.
