From the Maine DOE
Earlier this week, the Department released the state-level results for the 2013-14 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). The test was administered back in October and districts have had (and hopefully been closely analyzing) their individual results since January.
From the state-level data, we can see that while the majority of Maine’s elementary school students are still proficient in math (60.2 percent) and reading (69.1 percent), there are concerning performance declines across the board. While proficiency went up in Grade 5 math and writing and was flat in Grade 3, 5 and 7 reading as well as Grade 7 math, it was down in both math and reading for Grades 3, 4, 6 and 8.
Just as we as a Department encourage you to dig into your data to inform your understanding of challenges and opportunities, we’ve been doing the same here.
Notices and Reporting
- School Bus Purchase Report (Reminder), due March 31
- Highly Qualified Teacher Data (Reminder), due March 31
- EPS April 1 Enrollment Reporting (Reminder), due April 15
- Private School April 1 Enrollment Reporting (Reminder), due April 30
- Regional School Calendars (Reminder), due May 1
- 2014 Maine Educator Talent Pool Recommendations (Reminder), due May 2
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Maine DOE releases elementary assessment results
AUGUSTA – The majority of Maine’s elementary school students are still proficient in reading and math, but State Education Department officials say performance declines in all grade levels tested are a reminder of the importance of school-led improvement work continuing. | More
Maine DOE opens registration to high school students for online Advanced Placement courses
AUGUSTA – As part of its commitment to providing digital learning opportunities to all Maine students, the Maine Department of Education’s AP4ALL program allows all high school students who are educated at the public expense access to the year-long online Advanced Placement courses. The Department also covers the cost of books and materials. | More
New federal provisions on maintenance of effort requirement under IDEA
A provision included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 2014 sets forth the level of effort a local educational agency (LEA) must meet under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Part B in the year after it fails to maintain the level of local, or State and local, expenditures for the education of children with disabilities (known as LEA MOE). | More
Maine DOE welcomes new Arts Specialist
Kevin Facer will support districts in their implementation of best practices in visual and performing arts education, participate in the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative and serve as the regional representative for Washington and Hancock Counties. | More
Maine DOE approves Marshall Teacher Evaluation Rubrics
The newest addition to our menu of approved professional practice models is the set of teacher evaluation rubrics developed by Kim Marshall, a former principal, current consultant and author of “Rethinking Teacher Supervision and Evaluation.” | More
Using targeted transition funds in K-8 schools
Last fall, the Maine DOE distributed $2 million to school administrative units (SAUs) to support their transition to a proficiency-based diploma. In the months since, the Department has received inquiries related to the use of these targeted transition funds in K-8 schools. | More
Financial education conference scheduled for May 8
Educators, administrators and counselors who are interested in improving the financial capability of Maine students and young adults are encouraged to attend the conference, which will provide financial education resources and offer a variety of workshops. | More
Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Director – Migrant Education Program
- ESEA Programs Specialist – Title VI-B (Rural Ed); Title I (Data)
- Substitute Teacher – Mt. View Youth Dev Ctr
- Teacher/Evaluator – Long Creek Youth Development Center
- Teacher/Reading – Long Creek Youth Development Center
- Connect ME Broadband Technical Assistance Initiative Volunteer Literacy Service Technology Grant