Maine DOE Updates – Nov. 14, 2011

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Welcome to the November edition of Maine DOE Updates!

This month, we bring you news from two recent celebrations of the invaluable contributions of our teachers. First, the 2012 Teacher of the Year and the finalists for the honor gathered in Bangor recently to be recognized at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet. And second, Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen last month surprised a Yarmouth middle-school teacher with a $25,000 check from the Milken Family Foundation.

Also in this update, we bring you Commissioner Bowen’s recent remarks to educators about the major challenges that have stood in the way of our schools’ ability to make significant progress in improving student achievement in recent years, and the priorities upon which we must base an improved model of public education.

FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Challenging times, and a path forward

To build a system that meets the needs of all kids, we can’t nibble around the edges. We have to address the core design elements of the industrial-era model of schooling we all inherited. By Stephen BowenMore

DISPATCHES

Video: RSU 3 uses virtual learning to boost family literacy

Regional School Unit 3 in rural Waldo County has constructed a virtual environment to offer GED preparation, community college courses and job search assistance to a high-needs, adult population served by the district’s family literacy program. | More

Region 10 Tech accepts local business’ truck donation

Students in the Auto Collision Repair program at Region 10 Technical High School in Brunswick will learn welding, body filling, glass replacement and other skills with the help of a Ford F-150 pickup donated to the school by the Brunswick location of Hancock Lumber. | More

Video: Banquet honors Teacher of the Year, finalists

The 2012 Maine Teacher of the Year, Alana Margeson from Caribou High School, and the five finalists for the honor were feted at a banquet and awards ceremony recently in Bangor. Sen. Susan Collins offered a video message of congratulations. | More | Nominations open for 2013 Teacher of the Year

PRESS RELEASES

Bowen presents $25,000 Milken Award to Yarmouth teacher

YARMOUTH – Harrison Middle School math and science teacher Morgan Cuthbert received a once-in-a-lifetime surprise on Oct. 24 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

Maine wins $3.35m to improve special education teacher training

AUGUSTA – A five-year federal grant will offer current and future special education teachers in Maine access to improved training to help their students succeed academically and graduate on time. | More

Maine up in 8th-grade math; flat elsewhere

AUGUSTA – The results of the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress demonstrate the need for a concerted, statewide effort to improve literacy achievement through research-based instruction, according to Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen. | More

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