The Maine DOE and the Proficiency Council recently presented the Proficiency Council Preliminary Report to members of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
The council continues to discuss the exact mechanisms for reporting the details of student achievement including but not limited to career pathway licensure and other credentials that should be reflected on a diploma at graduation.
The council will continue to meet each month through May and will provide the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee with a report that will provide additional recommendations related to implementation of proficiency-based diplomas.
The Department and the Proficiency Council will continue work toward a final report by August while the newly introduced bill’s language is crafted and goes through the legislative process.
History
In 2015, The Maine Legislature tasked the Maine Proficiency Education Council to study and make recommendations regarding implementation of the proficiency-based graduation requirements.
The 14-member council included 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 educationFor more information contact Chief Academic Officer, Rachelle Tome at rachelle.tome@maine.gov or 624-6708.
- Maine DOE staff members provided assistance to the council during this process. The council meeting notes and documents they reviewed are posted on the Department’s legislation and rulemaking web page.