BANGOR—The University of Maine at Presque Isle was joined by several top Maine education officials during a Feb. 13 press conference in Bangor to announce its transition to proficiency-based education, a move that makes UMPI the first university in Maine and one of the first in the nation to deliver this type of interactive learning. Proficiency-based education encourages deeper learning and greater engagement by providing more hands-on activities, giving students choices in selecting assignments, and having them demonstrate proficiency in a subject area before moving along to the next concept. Continue reading “UMPI launches proficiency-based education initiative”
Month: February 2014
Commissioner’s Update – February 13, 2014
From the Maine DOE
All of us share a commitment to ensuring our schools are physically and emotionally safe and supportive places for students to learn and thrive.
That’s why I was so troubled to read in the findings of the latest Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey that 16.8 percent of our middle school students and 14.6 percent of high school students have seriously considered attempting suicide.
As a parent and grandparent, the reality that youth with such incredible potential feel so overwhelmed and helpless deeply saddens me. And as your Commissioner of Education, I want you to know our Department is collaborating with others to take serious steps to help students before they harm themselves.
Notices and Reporting
- Qualified Zone Academy Bond Applications (Reminder), due Feb. 14
- Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) Federal Tax Credit Bond Application (Reminder), due March 14
- 2014 Maine Educator Talent Pool Recommendations (Reminder), due May 2
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Nominations sought for 2015 Maine Teacher of the Year
AUGUSTA – Nominations are now open for the 2015 Maine Teacher of the Year. For the first time since the Maine DOE recognition program launched in 1954, the public is being invited to join school and district leaders in going online to directly nominate educators for the prestigious statewide distinction, the winner of which serves as an advocate for Maine’s teachers, students and education system. | More
Recommendations sought for Educator Talent Pool
The Maine DOE is seeking recommendations for the 2014 Maine Educator Talent Pool. The Talent Pool is made up of teachers and principals who may be considered for membership on local and state advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition through the Department. | More
Charter Commission to vote on applications March 3
The Maine Charter School Commission will vote at its March 3 meeting on whether to move forward the applications of three public charter schools proposed to open in Maine this fall. | More
Policies support proficiency-based education implementation
District policies are critical supports for proficiency-based education and successful locally-led implementation may require the revision of existing district policies. Many school districts around the state are currently engaged in discussions to revise policies to reflect their proficiency-based systems. | More
Guidance on merging certification support and performance evaluation systems
In preparation for supporting provisionally certified teacher-candidates as they work toward State professional certification, local Professional Learning Community Support Systems (PLCSS) teams across Maine are gearing up to review their programs and deliver mentor training. | More
Governor LePage proclaims February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has proclaimed the month of February to be Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. He recently joined domestic violence awareness advocates in his office to sign the proclamation and praised them for their work. | More
Rolling admissions for School Lunch Program
Households can apply anytime throughout the school year for meal benefits provided through their district’s School Lunch Program. A family may apply for any reason at any time, including a change in employment or household size, gaining guardianship of a child, or simply if they have never applied before. | More
Maine Council for the Social Studies to host regional sessions in March
The Maine Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) is sponsoring two professional development sessions on the topic “Food for Thought: Regional Professional Development Gatherings for Teachers.” | More
Maine Poetry Out Loud finals Feb. 26
The 2014 Maine State Finals for the national Poetry Out Loud program will take place on Feb. 26 at the Waterville Opera House. | More
Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities
More
Expanded suicide prevention training helps us better support students
All of us share a commitment to ensuring our schools are physically and emotionally safe and supportive places for students to learn and thrive.
That’s why I was so troubled to read in the findings of our latest Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey that 16.8 percent of our middle school students and 14.6 percent of high school students have seriously considered attempting suicide.
As a parent and grandparent, the reality that youth with such incredible potential feel so overwhelmed and helpless deeply saddens me. And as your Commissioner of Education, I want you to know our Department is collaborating with others to take serious steps to help students before they harm themselves. Continue reading “Expanded suicide prevention training helps us better support students”
Social studies council hosts PD sessions in March
The Maine Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) is sponsoring two professional development sessions on the topic “Food for Thought: Regional Professional Development Gatherings for Teachers.” Continue reading “Social studies council hosts PD sessions in March”
Governor LePage proclaims February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has proclaimed the month of February to be Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. He recently joined domestic violence awareness advocates in his office to sign the proclamation and praised them for their work.
Charter Commission to vote on applications March 3
The Maine Charter School Commission will vote at its March 3 meeting on whether to move forward the applications of three public charter schools proposed to open in Maine this fall. Continue reading “Charter Commission to vote on applications March 3”
Guidance on merging certification support and performance evaluation systems
In preparation for supporting provisionally certified teacher-candidates as they work toward State professional certification, local Professional Learning Community Support Systems (PLCSS) teams across Maine are gearing up to review their programs and deliver mentor training. Continue reading “Guidance on merging certification support and performance evaluation systems”
Rolling admissions for School Lunch Program
Households can apply anytime throughout the school year for meal benefits provided through their district’s School Lunch Program. A family may apply for any reason at any time, including a change in employment or household size, gaining guardianship of a child, or simply if they have never applied before. Continue reading “Rolling admissions for School Lunch Program”
Maine Poetry Out Loud finals Feb. 26
The 2014 Maine State Finals for the national Poetry Out Loud program will take place on Feb. 26 at the Waterville Opera House. Kathleen Shannon, co-anchor of WCSH television’s 207 program, will emcee the event. Doors open to the public at 3:30 p.m. and the event begins at 4 p.m. The event is free and no advanced tickets are required. Continue reading “Maine Poetry Out Loud finals Feb. 26”
Policies support proficiency-based education implementation
District policies are critical supports for proficiency-based education and successful locally-led implementation may require the revision of existing district policies. Continue reading “Policies support proficiency-based education implementation”
Maine DOE Newsroom 