The Maine Legislature tasked the Maine Proficiency Education Council to study and make recommendations regarding implementation of the proficiency-based graduation requirements to the Commissioner of Education and the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
The council met on Oct. 28 and Nov. 13 and will meet again on Dec. 30. The council is expected to provide an interim report when the Legislature returns in January. The report must contain any recommendations from the council regarding implementation of the proficiency-based graduation requirements as well as a status report on any continued work of the council. The Proficiency Education Council is authorized to continue meeting up to 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature this spring.
The 14-member council, described in the resolve, includes representatives from the following stakeholder groups:
- A member of the State Board of Education nominated by the State Board;
- Four teachers with one being a special education teacher nominated by the Maine Education Association
- Two public school administrators nominated by the Maine Principals’ Association and the Maine Superintendents Association
- Two members of school boards nominated by the Maine School Board Association
- One faculty member representing the University of Maine
- Two members of the business community
- Two members of the general public with interest and experience in education
Maine DOE staff members are expected to provide assistance to the council (e.g., information, research, meeting materials, space to meet). The Proficiency Education Council meetings are open meetings in which members of the public may observe. The council meeting notes and documents they review are posted on the Department’s Legislation and Rulemaking web page.
For more information contact Maine DOE Federal and State Legislative Liaison Jaci Holmes at jaci.holmes@maine.gov or 624-6669.