From the Maine DOE
It’s high school graduation season and while the commitment of Maine K-12 public education system to proficiency-based diplomas starting in 2018 is clear, one of the questions I’m most frequently asked is whether colleges share that belief in the great value of this approach.
Actions like the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s transition to proficiency-based learning and college acceptances of graduates from Maine schools that have already gone to proficiency-based education reflect higher education’s support, which is not surprising given this shift ensures greater college and career readiness. But Maine students and their families rightfully want more guarantees that post-secondary institutions will understand and embrace their proficiency-based diplomas.
That’s why I am pleased to share that earlier this week, the New England Secondary School Consortium (NESSC) announced that all of the public institutions of higher education in five New England states including Maine have endorsed proficiency-based education and graduation.
Notices and Reporting
- School Facilities Inventory FY 13-14 (Reminder), due June 30
- School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20:Quarter 4) (Reminder), due June 30
- FY 14 Perkins Performance Report (Annual Progress) (Reminder), due June 30
- NCLB Extension Carryover Report (Reminder), due June 30
- 2013-14 Special Education Exit Certification (Reminder), due June 30
- End of Year Student and Staff 2013-14 (Reminder), due June 30
More Notices Administrative Letters Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Maine DOE announces preview period for Smarter Balanced digital educator resources
The Smarter Balanced Digital Library preview launched on June 3.These on-demand materials are aligned to the Smarter Balanced assessment targets and will be an important resource for Maine teachers to understand progress in student learning. | More
Downeast students earn passing grade from Marine Resources Commissioner for Winter flounder project
More than 50 students from coastal high schools presented their preliminary findings on their winter flounder project to Maine Commissioner of Marine Resources Patrick Keliher last week. | More
Nominations open for Maine technology educator awards
The Association for Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) is accepting nominations for the Maine Educator of the Year and the Maine Leader of the Year awards to be announced at their 2014 Conference held in Augusta in October. | More
New toll-free fax number for MEDMS helpdesk
The Maine DOE is pleased to share that the Maine Education Data Management System (MEDMS) Helpdesk has a new toll-free fax number: 866-219-8344. | More
Maine DOE to implement new school staff survey
Maine school administrative units (SAUs) have been completing the Educator Quality and Effectiveness Survey initiated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) annually since 2010. The survey data has been collected through the Maine Education Data Management System (MEDMS). | More
Maine mathematics educators honored
The Portland Sea Dogs recently recognized the current and several past recipients of the Jacqueline Mitchell Mathematics Educator Award. | More
Maine music teachers hold conference
Maine music teachers and students gathered at the University of Maine in Orono for the Maine Music Educators Association’s (MMEA) In-Service Conference last month. The conference offered performances from chorus, band, strings and jazz, and also provided professional development opportunities on proficiency and student assessment methods specific to each area of instruction. | More
Youth health survey to be administered next February
The Maine DOE, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to announce the fourth administration of the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) will be next February. | More
Maine FFA student officers receive leadership training
Trainers from the National FFA Organization (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) traveled to Aroostook County last week to prepare the new team of Maine FFA State Officers for their responsibilities in overseeing the duties of the student-run leadership organization for secondary and middle school students enrolled in agriculture and natural resource classes. | More
LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Fiscal Review & Compliance Consultant
- Special Projects Manager
- ConnectME Broadband Technical Assistance Initiative Adult Education Technology Grant
- ConnectME Broadband Technical Assistance Initiative Volunteer Literacy Service Technology Grant