For nearly 10 years, that federal law has trapped Maine’s schools in a system that emphasizes test preparation at the expense of genuine learning, test results at the expense of more honest measures of students’ academic growth, and instruction in math and reading at the expense of the broader curriculum our students need to develop the skills colleges and employers will demand.
That’s why this news about relief from No Child Left Behind is promising.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION ITEMS
Administrative Letters
- No Administrative Letters this week.
Notices
- Training available for Transfinder transport software
- Feedback sought from bus drivers, transportation directors
- More information available on ‘General Education Intervention’
- Race to the Top webinar set for Sept. 29
- Forums to address school readiness
Reporting
Please note: To reduce clutter, we now generally provide notice of requirements only once. Please check the Reporting Calendar (link below) regularly for a list of ALL upcoming items.
- Special Education Contracted Services Approval (EF-S-03), Oct. 15
- EPS Funding Assurance and MEDMS Reconciliation, Nov. 1
NEWS & VIEWS
Welcome news and a special opportunity
For nearly 10 years, Maine’s schools have been trapped by an unfair and unrealistic system of accountability. We can change that with a waiver from the No Child Left Behind law. By Stephen Bowen | ‘From the Commissioner’ blog entry | Press statement on No Child Left Behind flexibility
Video: Sidney school opens a new year
The students at James H. Bean Elementary School in Sidney spent the first weeks of the 2011-12 school year setting their priorities and ground rules for learning — and for having fun as they do it. | More
Maine schools recognized for fostering healthy learning environments
AUGUSTA — Some 17 schools in the Portland area have received HealthierUS School Challenge awards for raising the bar when it comes to wholesome nutrition and frequent physical activity. | More
- Bowen, LePage to discuss education, Midcoast’s economy
- Bowen appears on ‘In the Arena’
- LePage honors Teacher of the Year in weekly message