In closing comments of the 103rd Annual Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents, Education Commissioner Jim Rier applauded attendees for their attention and participation in the general and break-out sessions during the 3-day event. The Department collaborated with Maine School Management Association in planning the conference, which was designed to provide superintendents and other district administrators with guidance, technical assistance and practical tools to use in implementing recently-passed legislation.
The first two days of the conference were devoted to discussions of the proficiency-based graduation law, and the last day was devoted to performance evaluation and professional growth systems for teachers and principals. Both subjects result from laws enacted by the Legislature in 2012, and focus on setting clear expectations, providing support to meet those expectations and methods of determining progress toward achievement of those expectations.
Over 150 district administrators attended the Conference, which was held at Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center in Northport. The Maine Principal’s Association held its Leadership Retreat at the same location, offering opportunities to share sessions, and for superintendents to meet with principals and other staff from their local school districts.
To access materials, presentations, and additional resources made available to attendees of the Commissioner’s Conference please click here.