Maine DOE Update – September 27, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education


Reporting Items

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News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Guidance on New High School Diploma Law

Governor LePage signed into law PL 2017, Chapter 466 on July 10, 2018, allowing SAUs to award either proficiency-based or credit-based diplomas. This change will take effect on December 13, 2018. The new diploma law, enacted by the 128th Legislature, removes the mandate that a high school diploma be based on a student’s demonstration of proficiency in Maine’s Learning Results and instead makes a proficiency-based diploma one of two options. | More

Implementation of New IEP Form to be Further Postponed

Administrative Letter #17 announced an implementation date of October 1, 2018 for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) designed to meet requirements for documenting certain services that are both educationally and medically necessary in accordance with both IDEA and Section 65 and Section 28 of the Maine Care Benefits Manual. | More

Maine DOE Launching a New Website on Friday, September 28, 2018

The Maine Department of Education will be launching a new website on Friday, September 28, 2018. Over the course of the summer months, Department staff have been working on updating and re-writing website content for a new website that features an improved search function, a user-friendly interface, and a content management system which will allow Department staff to keep content updated and timely. | More

Respiratory Illnesses and Schools

Each year, millions of people become ill due to respiratory illnesses. Some of the more common respiratory illnesses in schools may include influenza, pertussis, and the common cold. | More

Free Books for Maine Schools Serving Grades 5-8

Maine’s Libra Foundation, founded by philanthropist Betty Noyce, has partnered with Tumblehome, Inc., an award-winning publisher of science-related books for children, to offer a “library box” of ten free books to every school in Maine that serves students in grades 5-8. Be on the lookout for an online survey coming to your superintendent or librarian. | More

Camden Hills School Nurse Janis Hogan Named 2018-2019 School Nurse of the Year

The Maine School Nurse Association (MASN) recently announce that Janis Hogan from Camden Hills Regional High School is the School Nurse of the Year, 2018-2019. This award acknowledges a member of the Maine School Nurse Association who demonstrates excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school nursing. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices


Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Regional PD Opportunities Based on CNAs and Provided Under ESSA #success4MEInteractive

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Maine has developed a differentiated model of school supports that includes statewide professional development targeted to regional needs. Upon review of submitted statewide Comprehensive Needs Assessments/SAU Consolidated Plans, the Maine DOE is providing regional professional development to address the explicit needs outlined in submitted CNAs. | More

Visit the Professional Development Calendar |


Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities