Here in Augusta, the dawn of the new year means things are getting really busy.
Our Senators and Representatives are back in town, and they have numerous education issues on their plate, from online learning to sports-related head injuries to long-term planning.
At the DOE, we continue to work hard on a strategic plan. The members of the Legislature’s Education Committee saw a preview yesterday, and we’ll be sharing the full document with everyone later this month. The plan is a work in progress, and once we release a copy, we’ll seek feedback from the public that we hope will strengthen it.
Meanwhile, we’re also making progress on using all of your feedback to craft a request for Elementary and Secondary Education Act flexibility to submit to the federal government.
As if that weren’t enough, our most important work — the teaching and learning that happens each day in our schools — doesn’t stop.
Here’s to a fulfilling 2012.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION ITEMS
Administrative Letters
- No Administrative Letters this week.
Notices
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
High school seniors can apply to attend national science camp
High school seniors interested in a three-week, residential science program that will expose them to stimulating lectures, outdoor adventures and hands-on learning can apply now to represent Maine this summer at the National Youth Science camp. | More
Student tranportation group offers bully prevention training
The National Association for Pupil Transportation and the U.S. Department of Education have teamed up to offer free training for school bus drivers and other transportation officials on preventing bullying on the bus and at school bus stops. | More
Federal grant funds to expand offerings for rural adult students
Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division will allow more adults in rural Maine to access classes that equip them with the technical skills they need to improve their employment prospects. | More