It’s been a busy start to the 2011-12 school year.
Maine has been tapped to help lead an effort to develop science learning standards for a new age, a teacher from Caribou has been anointed 2012 Teacher of the Year and two Maine schools are preparing to be recognized later this fall in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, as Commissioner Bowen writes in this update, Maine’s schools are being called upon to address Maine’s skills gap: the deficit between the number of jobs available in some sectors and the workers with the skills needed to do them.
FROM THE COMMISSIONER
Bridging our ‘skills gap’ long-term
We don’t only have a jobs deficit in Maine. We have a skills gap, too, and our schools will help bridge it in the long run. By Stephen Bowen | More
Preparing for an ‘inevitable’ era
Department of Education staff gathered for a meeting to discuss a compelling vision for an education system that harnesses the power of technology to customize instruction for every student. By Stephen Bowen | More
- Maine DOE as a resource, not a regulator
- A short-term fix before a long-term solution
- More From the Commissioner
DISPATCHES
Maine invites Race to the Top input
The team charged with putting together Maine’s application for up to $50 million in the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge wants to hear your ideas. | More
Doing arts assessment right
How can teachers equip the students of Maine to be better citizens and engaged learners? Inviting them to be integral players in the learning process is the key. By Jennifer Nash | More
Bowen: Arts crucial to creativity, innovation
In an interview, Commissioner Stephen Bowen says it’s critical that students are exposed to the arts so they can develop their creative capacities. By Argy Nestor | More
- Video challenge asks students to show creativity
- Maine DOE’s legislative summary available
- Chinese guest teachers meet with LePage
- Schools focus on formative assessment
- Salad bars available to Maine schools
- More Dispatches
PRESS RELEASES
Caribou teacher named 2012 Teacher of the Year
CARIBOU – Alana Margeson, who teaches 10th- and 11th-grade English at Caribou High School, was recognized at a surprise all-school assembly called in her honor. | More
Two Maine schools receive national honor
AUGUSTA – Orono Middle School and Eliot Elementary School have been named 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The two schools are among 304 nationally to earn the honor. | More
Teachers take active role in focus on training
AUGUSTA – The federally funded Maine Schools for Excellence initiative involves the teachers of 5,500 students in five districts in rigorous professional development and the development of performance-based pay systems. | More