Governor Paul LePage and I held a press conference this week to discuss the results of a recent Harvard University education study, which found that Maine’s NAEP test scores have barely moved over the past two decades.While Maine still ranks 12th in the nation (down from third in 1992), Maine had the second lowest gains of the 41 states in the study.
It’s like a student gets a D-plus in a class of D’s and F’s. He may be at the top, but we should not say he’s doing OK.
Don’t get me wrong – I’ve been in schools across Maine where there are innovative ideas and new approaches being undertaken and great work is happening. But we have a long way to go.
— Stephen Bowen
ACTION ITEMS
Administrative Letters
- No new administrative letters this week.
Notices
- State-required special education forms updated
- Final 2011-12 ED279s posted online
- Transportation data form undergoing renovations, not required
- Maine DOE’s legislative summary available
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.
- Private Schools Year End Report (EF-M-240), September 15
NEWS & VIEWS
Gov. LePage and Commissioner Bowen hold joint news conference on education
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage and Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen held a joint media conference Wednesday in the Cabinet Room at the State Capitol to discuss the results of a recent study released by Harvard University’s Program on Education Policy and Governance. Gov. LePage and Commissioner Bowen explained these results and what they mean for Maine. | More | Commissioner Stephen Bowen’s remarks at July 25 news conference | Fact sheet: Educational progress in Maine and the Harvard study
ASVAB career exploration test not just for those interested in military
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) provides high quality career exploration and planning materials at no cost to high schools or students throughout the country. | More
York student explorers join global collaboration in Brazil
York Middle School science teacher Jeff Wilford might annually explore the swampy wetlands of Brazil, but don’t mistake him for Indiana Jones. It’s research he wrestles, not anacondas. Since 2006, Wilford has returned to explore the Pantanal each summer with students from York High School. | More
Harvard study shows Maine at the bottom in education achievement growth
AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage said he is extremely concerned by 20 years of education efforts that have resulted in almost no gains in student achievement. His comments were in response to a report, “Achievement Growth: International and U.S. State Trends in Student Performance,” released Monday by Harvard’s Program on Education Policy and Governance. | More | Bowen statement on report showing Maine next to last in rate of student achievement growth
Students start culinary program to better school lunch
VIDEO: Teachers at The REAL School, a public alternative and special education school in Falmouth, started an agriculture and culinary arts program this past year, utilizing adventure- and project-based service learning practices to enhance the school lunch program with locally grown produce. | More
Two more public charter schools OK’d
AUGUSTA – The Maine Charter School Commission voted Tuesday to approve two more public charter schools. Members unanimously approved the Baxter Academy of Technology and Science to open in Portland in the fall of 2013, and reversed an earlier vote by approving the Cornville Regional Charter School to open this fall. | More | Bowen statement on approval of two additional charter schools
DOE announces two staff changes
Maine DOE is proud to announce two recent appointments to leadership roles. Janice E. Breton was appointed to the position of Director of Special Services, and Margaret “Meg” Harvey was recently promoted to the position of Education Team Coordinator for Career and Technical Education. | More
- Updated: Leadership program for superintendents, principals welcomes applications
- Education leaders develop middle-level learning at Bright Futures meeting
- Updated: Opportunity to attend autism training
- Apply to fill vacancy on Charter School Commission
- $5,000 enviornmental education grants available