Massachusetts Department of Education

The Massachusetts Department of Education oversees the administration of the public school system in the state and assesses the progress of public school students through tests administered by the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Nearly one million students are taught by more than 70,000 teachers in Massachussets' public school system. The agency also provides testing for teacher certification, issues teaching licenses, and provides training to teachers. The Massachusetts Department of Education operates other programs for special needs students and adults. The agency has an annual budget of more than $6 billion.