On Monday, I had the honor of presenting a $25,000 check from the Milken Family Foundation to Morgan Cuthbert, a deserving middle-school teacher in Yarmouth who has found the secret to motivating his math and science students. As a result of Morgan’s hard work, his students are excited to learn about topics ranging from the circulatory system to invasive species.
On Tuesday, I spoke with curriculum leaders from Maine schools during their conference in Freeport, which focused on a school system design that puts student — rather than administrative — needs at the center of everything we do.
And today and tomorrow, I plan to spend some time at the fall conference of the Maine School Management Association, whose members plan to focus on standards-based learning, closer integration of career and technical education with all other academics, and better preparation and more constructive evaluations for our educators — all in support of improved student learning.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION ITEMS
Administrative Letters
- Improvements to the school approval process
- Notice of Proposed Rule Change: Chapter 61, Major Capital Construction
- Effective date of revised IEP and Adverse Effect form
Notices
- Federal funding cuts affect Maine programs
- Data quality recertification training starts Nov. 7
- Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey update
- One of two juvenile detention reintegration workshops canceled
Reporting
Please note: We generally provide notice of requirements only once. Please check the Reporting Calendar (link below) regularly for a list of ALL upcoming items.
- No new reporting requirements this week.
NEWS & VIEWS
Bowen surprises Yarmouth teacher with $25,000 award
YARMOUTH — Harrison Middle School math and science teacher Morgan Cuthbert received a once-in-a-lifetime surprise on Monday in front of students and colleagues. That’s when Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen presented the $25,000 Milken Educator Award to the seventh-grade teacher. | More
Concussion initiative to expand to more schools
A $20,000 gift will allow Colby College’s Maine Concussion Management Initiative to provide student-athletes at more Maine schools with neuro-cognitive testing and management of the long-lasting impacts of concussions. | More
State Ed board member receives national honor
AUGUSTA — Maine State Board of Education member Nancy Perkins has won the 2011 Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Boards of Education. | More