Maine DOE Updates – Sept. 19, 2011

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Welcome to the September edition of Maine DOE Updates!

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 BowenMore

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 BowenMore

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

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

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