Welcome to the February issue of the Maine DOE Monthly, which provides a recap of some of the month’s most important updates from the Department.
This may be the shortest month but the Maine DOE got a lot done to better support Maine schools as they work to ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Just yesterday, we sent out a detailed letter to inform educators about our Department’s renewed efforts to support the continued quality implementation of key initiatives that will improve teaching and learning in Maine. Our daily work throughout February reinforced that commitment. We began technical assistance visits to more than 50 schools to help their transition to proficiency; released preliminary ED 279s for FY16 that reflect increased funding for education; and provided new resources to help schools prepare for the spring statewide assessment administration including training videos, a secure mobile browser and keyboard flexibility.
Read on for a roundup of other recent updates from the Department and as always, stay tuned to our Newsroom and weekly Commissioner’s Updates for the latest news you can use from the Maine DOE.
Dispatches & Press Releases
Maine DOE renews efforts to support local change
The Department is sensitive to the amount of work at the local level required to effectively implement initiatives that will better prepare students for success in college, career and civic life and outlines its commitments to make that implementation both high quality and manageable. | More
Commissioner visits Auburn schools
Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner returned earlier this month to the Auburn schools he once attended to learn about their efforts to improve outcomes and to inspire students with his own story. | More
Maine DOE recommends, rather than requires, assessment keyboards
The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that mechanical keyboards will no longer be required for the online administration of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy. | More
Maine DOE begins visits to schools to support proficiency-based diploma efforts
The Maine DOE will visit more than 50 districts to provide targeted technical assistance to schools preparing to award proficiency-based diplomas. | More
Preliminary FY2016 State subsidy printouts available
The Maine DOE has released preliminary FY 2016 (2015-16 school year) State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, on its website at www.maine.gov/doe/eps/. These preliminary amounts are based on Governor LePage’s proposed two-year budget that increases funding for Maine schools and students and assumes State payment directly to public charter schools as proposed in LD 235. | More
Department seeks feedback on ESEA waiver in advance of renewal
In preparation for Maine’s application for a renewal of its existing ESEA waiver, the Department is seeking feedback on how the State’s current accountability and improvement system is serving Maine’s students and schools. | More
Maine DOE posts video of assessment administration training
Maine educators who will be helping to administer the upcoming online State assessment but couldn’t attend one of the Department’s recent regional workshops can now see the entire training online. The Maine DOE has posted a four-hour video on its YouTube channel filmed at the southern Maine workshop session on Friday, Jan. 16. | More
iOS 8 compatible secure browser available for assessment administration
An iOS 8 compatible secure browser application that will be used for the upcoming administration of the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy is now available. | More
Governor LePage proclaims February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Governor Paul R. LePage is requesting Mainers observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month this February. | More
Maine recognizes Career and Technical Education Month
Students and educators across Maine are joining those across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. | More
Outstanding educators sought for Maine talent pool
The Maine DOE is seeking recommendations through May 1 for the 2015 Maine Educator Talent Pool. | More