Year: 2018

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.

To help inform school districts and the public about the new law, the Department is providing a side-by-side comparison of the two diploma options. While the new law provides opportunities for flexibility and innovation in awarding a high school diploma, it also presents challenges. The Maine DOE believes the comparison chart will help districts navigate their different options to ensure that, whatever the local decision is, students are provided a high quality education.

Side-by-side comparison of the two diploma options (PDF) »

The chart demonstrates that many details must be worked out both at the state and local level. As school leaders consider the uncertainties presented by the new law, the Commissioner wants districts to know that Maine DOE has an unwavering commitment to the quality of education for all Maine students. In this vein, districts should move forward with diploma requirements that serve students with an understanding that further legislation is likely necessary to reduce the inconsistencies between the two options.

The Commissioner is working collaboratively with stakeholders to establish common goals and seek solutions that ensure Maine’s high school diploma requirements provide a challenging, high quality education for every student in Maine. The Maine DOE looks forward to working with districts in this endeavor to prepare our graduates for a bright future.

Resources

Laws Quick Look Up:

Maine Learning Results

Guiding Principles of The Maine Learning Results

Understanding the Guiding Principles – a Resource developed by the Maine DOE and epic, Educational Policy Improvement Center.

For further questions, contact Mary Paine, Maine DOE Chief of Planning and Implementation at Mary.paine@maine.gov or (207) 624-6672.

Maine DOE Update – September 20, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Upcoming Test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

On Wednesday, October 3, beginning at 2:18 p.m. Eastern Time, there will be a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of IPAWS and its Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). | More

MaineCare Seed Adjustments to be Made; Review Q418 Reports by October 19, 2018

The recovery of Q418 MaineCare Seed will occur in the October 2018 subsidy payment and the Maine DOE is asking districts to review their reports by October 19, 2018 to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Online Learning Communities for Educators

Maine educators are invited to join online learning communities led by other Maine educators who will offer guidance and support for completing recognized online learning programs that are designed to develop various skills related to teaching and learning with technology. | More

Assessment Professional Development and Learning Opportunities

As a follow-up to the September 6, 2018 notice in the Maine DOE Newsroom regarding scheduled opportunities for professional development and learning around assessment, the Department is providing additional information and registration details for upcoming sessions. | More

Interactive Three-day Workshop on the Application of School Transportation Software

Transfinder University is coming to Augusta, Maine!  Maine public school transportation staff are invited to attend a three-day workshop which will provide participants with information regarding bus routing, map editing, geo-coding, pre-routing, custom reporting, and more to optimize their local district transportation operations.  | More

Professional Development Opportunity for Educators: Integrating Technology in Mathematics Classrooms

Maine Department of Education will be sponsoring a 2-part series, offered in two locations, that will focus on supporting teachers in developing and implementing purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom to effectively impact student engagement, learning, and understanding. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Interactive Three-day Workshop on the Application of School Transportation Software

Transfinder University is coming to Augusta, Maine!  Maine public school transportation staff are invited to attend a three-day workshop which will provide participants with information regarding bus routing, map editing, geo-coding, pre-routing, custom reporting, and more to optimize their local district transportation operations.  Public school districts using Transfinder are strongly encouraged to participate in this workshop, as it will provide refined knowledge and practice on the routing module used to enhance transportation efficiency, logistics, reporting, and safety.

This computer-based intensive workshop will be taught by Brian Keefer who is a senior educator for Transfinder Corporation.  The curriculum includes a combination of educator-led lessons with a hands-on lab where participants’ complete real transportation operations tasks using actual Transfinder system software.

To meet the high demand for this course, this year, we doubled the class capacity.  Pre-registration is required.  Computers will be provided.  Wireless internet and free parking will be available.  Attendees are responsible for hotel reservations and meals.  Breakfast is included for participants who stay overnight at the Senator Inn.  Continuing education units will be available upon request.  The Maine Department of Education is sponsoring this course and there is no cost for Maine Public school Transfinder users.

Date:  October 2-4, 2018

Time:  8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:  Senator Inn, 284 Western Avenue, Augusta, Maine

Registration:  Pre-registration is required; the class fills quickly

Register Now – To register for the workshop, call 888-427-2403 ext. 8206 and speak with Angela Vitti, Maine Transfinder Account Executive, or send an email to avitti@transfinder.com .

If you have questions about school transportation, please contact Pat Hinckley, Transportation and Facilities Administrator at pat.hinckley@maine.gov or 204-624-6886.

Professional Development Opportunity for Educators: Integrating Technology in Mathematics Classrooms

Maine Department of Education will be sponsoring a 2-part series, offered in two locations, that will focus on supporting teachers in developing and implementing purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom to effectively impact student engagement, learning, and understanding.

Jennifer Vadnais, a certified Desmos presenter, will be facilitating the sessions with the first part in October and the second part in March. Participants will be expected to implement their learning and return with evidence of implementation for the next in-person meeting. In addition, there will be virtual check-in opportunities in between the sessions to provide support and answer questions.

During these sessions participants will:

  • Experience the impact of purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom
  • Explore the Desmos resources
  • Learn how to navigate and use the teacher account
  • Understand how using Desmos supports student engagement and learning
  • Apply these understandings using a developed implementation plan

Participants will be provided 20 contact hours at end of series upon completion of survey in addition to coffee, lunch, and workshop materials.

Cost and participation: these sessions are FREE and open to anyone working with middle and high school math students.

Location Dates Grade Span
Jeff’s Catering, Brewer ME Session 1 – October 11, 2018

Session 2 – March 25, 2019

 Grades 6-12
Keeley’s, Portland ME Session 1 – October 12, 2018

Session 2 – March 26, 2019

 Grades 6-12

Registration & coffee begins at 8:00 am. The sessions run from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm . Lunch will be provided. Virtual Check-ins to be scheduled.

Register here

 

MaineCare Seed Adjustments to be Made; Review Q418 Reports by October 19, 2018

The recovery of Q418 MaineCare Seed will occur in the October 2018 subsidy payment and the Maine DOE is asking districts to review their reports by October 19, 2018 to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy.

District staff must review student by student claims on both the public and private MaineCare reports for Q418 by October 19, 2018.

To access the MaineCare Seed reports, please follow the instructions below.

  1. Log into NEO:
    • As in the past, if a new staff member needs permission to access this module, a request from the Superintendent to the Maine DOE helpdesk will be necessary. The helpdesk contact information is medms.helpdesk@maine.gov or 207-624-6896.
    • Anyone who currently has Special Education Director permissions to the Special Education module, will automatically have permissions to access MaineCare reports.
  2. Click on the Student Data tab
  3. Click on the Student Report tab
  4. Select MaineCare in the Reporting Area drop-down
  5. Choose the quarterly Seed report and the report type (private/public)
  6. Click view report button
  7. exportButton
    Export Button

    Once the report appears on the screen, choose the export button.
    You may export the reports to Excel but, please be aware that there may be multiple worksheet tabs within the workbook. Save the file to your computer.

If you disagree that a particular student or time period should be on the report, please provide the reason that you disagree along with the following to Denise Towers at Denise.towers@maine.gov.

  • Identify the type of report (public or private) and the quarter in which the claims are located.
  • State Student ID
  • Service provided dates (to and from)
  • Total amount of Seed being disputed

Summer services: Students must be enrolled for the time period they are receiving educational services. This means that students that are receiving extended school year services in district or extended school year services in an out of district placement must have a primary enrollment for that time period in order for the MDOE to have the most accurate enrollment data to determine SAU responsibility for MaineCare Seed.

For more information or technical assistance related to MaineCare Seed, please contact Denise Towers at Denise.towers@maine.gov.

 

Upcoming Test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)

On Wednesday, October 3, beginning at 2:18 p.m. Eastern Time, there will be a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of IPAWS and its Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to (1) assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message, and (2) determine whether improvements are needed.

The WEA portion of the test commences at 2:18 p.m. ET and the EAS portion follows at 2:20 p.m. ET. This test message will be sent to cell phones that are connected to wireless providers participating in WEA, which is why it is important to make local education agencies (LEAs) aware in advance.

Since learning time will likely be disrupted, school safety partners, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Students and its REMS TA Center, and the Youth Preparedness group within FEMA’s Individual and Community Preparedness Division, highly encourage local agencies to use the time to provide a teachable moment about emergency preparedness. For example, LEAs can do the following:

  • Craft a customized message notifying of the upcoming IPAWS test, while also providing information that is specific to your district. For example, you may want to provide details about your local emergency notification systems or describe how your LEA plans to communicate with school populations during real emergencies.
  • Ensure that messaging sent about IPAWS is accessible to those with access and functional needs. FEMA has prepared an accessible version of the announcement about this month’s test that can be shared with the whole school community. All community members are encouraged to watch this brief video.
  • We recommend that schools and school districts plan a review of drill protocols with students to coincide with the IPAWS notification. For example, schools are required to conduct annual evacuation drills, and the interruption from the IPAWS notification on October 3 could serve as a marker to review drill procedures with students or to conduct this drill. If planning a drill or exercise at this time is not possible, emergency planning teams at schools and school districts can be encouraged to use this event as an impetus to setting their calendar of drills and exercises for the school year.
  • Schools and school districts need to create a Communications and Warning Annex as a part of any comprehensive and high-quality school emergency operations plans (EOPs) and as recommended in the Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans (PDF).
  • Utilize the fact sheets that FEMA created in to describe IPAWS and its EAS and WEA systems to LEA Web pages and share them via social media and other dissemination channels:

Maine and our nation’s federal partners are committed to strengthening the National Preparedness System, and this test provides just one example of that commitment.

For further information:

Contact the REMS TA Center, your national school safety technical assistance center, at info@remstacenter.org or 1-855-781-REMS [7367] if you have questions about this test or need general support with emergency preparedness planning.

Contact Pat Hinckley, Transportation and Facilities Administrator, at pat.hinckley@maine.gov or 207-624-6886 if you have questions about Maine school security.

Assessment Professional Development and Learning Opportunities

As a follow-up to the September 6, 2018 notice in the Maine DOE Newsroom regarding scheduled opportunities for professional development and learning around assessment, the Department is providing additional information and registration details for upcoming sessions.

Lexile Framework for Reading

On October 9- 11, 2018, the Department in conjunction with MetaMetrics® will be conducting three (3) regional ½ day repeated sessions in Presque Isle, Bangor/Brewer and Portland areas. Each ½ day /3-hour session will provide attendees an overview of the Lexile Framework for Reading and the utilization of Lexile levels to support and impact instructional practice. This session will discuss and review student Lexile levels as determined by student performance on the Spring 2018 ELA eMPowerME state assessment and as reported on 2018 Individual Student Reports (ISRs) to parents.

The intended audience for this session is Special Educators, Librarians, English Language Teachers, English Language Arts (ELA) teaching staff, and elementary school teaching staff.

To register for the Lexile professional development session please click here.

Date Location Session times Registration
October 9, 2018 Elks Lodge

508 Main Street,

Presque Isle, 04769

 PM – 12:30 -3:30 pm To register for Oct. 9 sessions, click here.
October 10, 2018 Jeff’s Catering

15 Littlefield Road,

Brewer, 04401

 AM – 8:30 -11:30 am

PM – 12:30 -3:30 pm

 To register for Oct. 10 sessions, click here.
October 11, 2018 Elks Lodge

1945 Congress Street,

Portland, 04102

 AM – 8:30 -11:30 am

PM – 12:30 -3:30 pm

 To register for Oct. 11 sessions, click here.

Maine’s Assessment & Accountability Reporting System (MAARS) Review & Released Items

On November 13-15, 2018, the Department in conjunction with FocalPointK-12 will be conducting three, one day sessions in Presque Isle, Bangor/Brewer and Portland areas.

During each morning session, attendees will be provided an overview of MAARS with a focus on confidential reporting elements. Please note, in order for participants to engage fully in this session, participants should ensure necessary permissions to access MAARS have been granted and provided from the District Assessment Coordinator (DAC).

Afternoon sessions will focus on English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics eMPowerME and Science released items and specifically the impact on curriculum and development review to instructional practice.

To register for the MAARS Review and Released Item session please click here.

The intended audience for this session is Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, curriculum coordinators, and ELA, Math and Science teaching staff.

Date Location Time Registration
November 13, 2018 Presque Isle Registration 8:30 am

Session 9 am – 3:30 PM

 To register for Nov.13 sessions, click here.
November 14, 2018 Bangor/Brewer Registration 8:30 am

Session 9 am – 3:30 PM

 To register for Nov. 14 sessions, click here.
November 15, 2018 Portland Registration 8:30 am

Session 9 am – 3:30 PM

 To register for Nov. 15 sessions, click here.

For further information or additional questions please contact Janette Kirk, Deputy Director, Office of Learning Systems at janette.kirk@maine.gov or 624-6707.

Online Learning Communities for Educators

Maine educators are invited to join online learning communities led by other Maine educators who will offer guidance and support for completing recognized online learning programs that are designed to develop various skills related to teaching and learning with technology. Educators can learn on their own time and at their own pace while still being a part of community of educators that are all working toward a common goal.

All of the online learning communities are free to join, though some have materials that need to be purchased in order to participate more fully.

  • Apple Teacher – iPad Badges (free)
  • Apple Teacher – Mac Badges (free)
  • Code.org Express Course (free)
  • Common Sense Educators (free)
  • Google Level 1 Certification ($10 exam fee paid to Google directly)
  • Wonder Workshop ($125 for robot and course bundle purchased with ACTEM discount)

To register, please complete this online form »

Note: Most offerings start on or around Oct. 1st and have a limit on the number of participants.

All educators who earn their badge or certificate by midnight on December 2nd will be invited to join a daylong celebration and professional learning opportunity. The celebration will likely be held on Thursday, December 13th or Friday, December 14th in the central Maine area. More details will be sent directly to participants later in the fall

For more information contact, Maine DOE Digital Learning Specialist, Amanda Nguyen at Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

Maine DOE Update – September 13, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reminder to Superintendents: Updating of District Assessment Coordinators (DAC) in NEO

As a reminder to superintendents, Maine DOE is currently in the process of releasing and reviewing assessment results from the 2017-2018 MEA test administration.  We will soon transition into sharing information about the upcoming 2018-19 test administration. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Administrative Letter: Annual Notification of Eligibility for Schoolwide Programs that Include Students with Disabilities

Schools that receive federal Title I funds, have poverty rates of at least 40 percent and have approved Title IA Schoolwide Plans are eligible to use their Title I funds – and funds from other sources – to develop “schoolwide programs.” | More

Updated Special Education Forms

Several of the Maine DOE Special Education forms have been updated and an optional referral form for special education services has been developed.  All vendors have been notified of the changes. A complete list of the forms is available at the bottom of this notice. Below are the detailed changes to the forms. | More

State Special Education Determination

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to develop a state performance plan/annual performance report (SPP/APR) that evaluates the state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of Part B (ages 3 through 20) and Part C (birth to 3) of the IDEA and describes how the state will improve its implementation. | More

School Safety and Security Bulletin: If You See Something, Say Something

Throughout the 2018- 2019 school year, the Maine Department of Education along with multiple other emergency management agencies will provide tips and resource information to Maine schools. | More

Seeking School Highlights for School Report Cards

The Maine Department of Education is requesting the assistance of school principals in the development of the new 2017-2018 School Report Cards that will be publically released later this year as part of the rollout of Maine’s Model of School Support and the Every Student Succeeds Act | More

Schools Participating in the Maine CDC – School Oral Health Program

The Maine Center for Disease Control – School Oral Health Program (SOHP) has been a part of many school’s programs since the 1980’s. The program started with a weekly fluoride mouth rinse and dental sealants to second graders and classroom education. | More

Health Update: Mosquito-Borne Illnesses and Schools

The Maine Department of Education is requesting the assistance of school principals in the development of the new 2017-2018 School Report Cards that will be publically released later this year as part of the rollout of Maine’s Model of School Support and the Every Student Succeeds Act | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Attendance Matters: Connecting for Student Success Regional Meetings

Attendance Matters: The Fall Connecting for Student Success regional meetings sponsored by Maine Department of Education and Count ME In are happening statewide.  You can attend a regional meeting that is convenient for you. | More

Interactive Workshop on the Legal Rights of English Learners

All educators are invited to attend this workshop which will provide participants with information regarding the legal responsibilities of schools serving English learners. Districts receiving federal funds under Title I and/or Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) are strongly encouraged to participate in this workshop, as it will clarify the core requirements for English learner programming that must be met before supplemental federal funds may be utilized. | More

2018 STEM Education Innovation Challenge Grant Competition for K-12 Educators

The Maine STEM Collaborative has announced the 2018 STEM Education Innovation Challenge Grant Competition to provide K-12 educators the opportunity to try out highly innovative ideas in STEM teaching and learning. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Attendance Matters: Connecting for Student Success Regional Meetings

Attendance Matters: The Fall Connecting for Student Success regional meetings sponsored by Maine Department of Education and Count ME In are happening statewide.  You can attend a regional meeting that is convenient for you.

  • Tuesday, October 16 in Bangor 12:00 to 2:30
  • Wednesday, October 17 in Presque Isle 12:00 – 2:30
  • Thursday, November 1 in Augusta 9:00 – 11:30
  • Thursday, November 29 in Portland 8:30 – 11:00 (Full)

Attendees will hear schools and agencies share updates on programs and effective strategies as well as a short presentation on anxiety-steps to support students. Sessions are free but registration is required.  

Attendance matters because early absences can affect later achievement, since students can miss some of the key building blocks for learning.  Absences add up- just two days a month can mean 18 absences a year.

Register Now  

For more information, please contact Gayle Erdheim at Gayle.Erdheim@maine.gov, Emily Poland at Emily.Poland@maine.gov or Susan Lieberman at slieberman@countmeinmaine.org.