Webinar: Dropout Reporting – September 19, 2023

Join the Maine DOE Data Team for a webinar about dropout reporting. This report defines dropouts based on the federal requirements meeting all three of the following criteria: students enrolled at any time from 10/1/2022-9/30/2023, who are exited with a code that is expected to return, and are not enrolled on 10/1/2023.

This webinar will be recorded and posted to the DOE Data YouTube playlist. It may take a few days for the recording to be posted, however, it will be available as soon as possible. Additional information about this webinar can be found on the Webinars page of the Maine DOE Helpdesk Website.

If this webinar is canceled, there will be a notice posted on the Helpdesk Website at the top of the page.

Dropout Reporting Webinar:

September 19th at 10:00 am

Join the Live event here

For questions about data reporting webinars please contact Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov

Community of Practice: Building High-Quality Transitions to Kindergarten

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team is pleased to announce a new Community of Practice (CoP) focusing on supporting schools and districts in building high-quality plans for kindergarten transitions. Recognizing the significant milestone that transition to kindergarten is for children and families, this CoP explores strategies for positively engaging children, families, caregivers, educators, and community providers in this process, including ideas for building transition teams and year-long transition plans. This no-cost learning experience will focus on supporting school systems and community partners by offering resources and support in building out transition plans, as well as opportunity to network with others who are engaged in the same work. SAU administrators, teaching staff, community preschool and childcare providers, and other community partners who share in cultivating smooth and well-supported transitions to kindergarten are encouraged to register together for this virtual opportunity.

The Community of Practice will be held from 3:30 – 4:30 PM on the following dates:

October 17th, December 19th, January 16th, March 19th, and May 21st

Please register here for the Community of Practice.

In conjunction with this opportunity, the Kindergarten Transition webpages have been enhanced. These pages contain valuable resources for both parents & caregivers, and educators & providers.

For more information, please contact Marcy Whitcomb, Public Pre-K Consultant: marcy.r.whitcomb@maine.gov

Maine DOE’s Second Annual Computer Science Showcase Features Innovative Student and Educator Projects

Students and educators from 40 school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine recently participated in the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Second Annual Computer Science Education Showcase at the Collins Center at the University of Maine. The Showcase highlighted innovative computer science education programs and projects in schools across Maine, with hands on, interactive exhibits.

Exhibits featured a variety of computer science education projects, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D design, coding, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), data science, cybersecurity, and more. Robotics students participated in a live demonstration on stage where they had to work together to move objects and overcome structural barriers, requiring teamwork and problem solving.

The Showcase also included a panel discussion with educators, a student, industry representatives, and experts highlighting the importance of computer science education, opportunities for students and educators, and where the field is headed.

“If you can just simply show them and introduce students to these [computer science] concepts, then it opens up a whole world to them. You can be a kid from Maine and do really amazing things in the computer science field,” said Allison Braley, a teacher from RSU 25.

“These are foundational skills we are talking about, and they are across every sector. These are critical 21^st century skills that everyone needs regardless of what pathway you choose in life. Kids can stay in Maine, they don’t have to go to Boston or California for these jobs. Employers are here. It doesn’t matter what background you’re from or what zipcode you’re from, this is for every student,” said Angela Oechslie from Project Login.

“If computing is an elective and only for some, you mostly get those students who set out to do that because they see themselves as who society says should do it. The beauty of looking at computer science from pre-k through 12 is that it can be universal, and you can make those opportunities for anybody to stumble across them—it’s young women, it’s those who are the first generation in their family to go to college, it’s kids in rural areas, it’s kids from underrepresented groups. We can diversify the field and we can make the field richer by giving everyone a chance to say that’s the thing I love,” said Penny Rheingans from UMaine.

“Most of the really difficult problems we need to solve over the next 30 years are going to be solved using computer science,” said Judson McIntosh, an Engineering Manager at Tyler Technologies.

Maine continues to lead on computer science education and is the only state to provide interdisciplinary computer science education to all pre-K through grade 12 students in the state. Earlier this year, more than a thousand students from across the state participated in the Maine DOE’s Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference. Students had access to more than 40 sessions that engaged them in essential computer science skills and knowledge, including animation, AI/machine learning, AR/VR, audio editing, CAD/3D Design, robotics, coding, and video game design. More than a dozen of the sessions were led or co-led by students.

Nearly 100 educators from across the state attended a multi-day institute in July, focused around computer science education. Educators spent two and a half days engaging in sessions and collaborating to integrate computer science into their classrooms and upcoming school year activities. Topics included Robotics & Programming, Coding & Hardware, Augmented & Virtual Reality, and much more. The more than 600 participants at this year’s Maine Educator Summit also had access to multiple workshops and sessions related to computer science and technology skills and integration.

Last year, the Mills administration launched a new Maine DOE initiative to provide every Maine school with a free mobile computer science lab. Schools were able to order one of three mobile lab options: Robotics and Programming, Augmented and Virtual Reality, and Coding and Hardware. Each lab contains computer science equipment valued at $5,000 and is designed to be integrated into any content area and skill level. Additionally, the initiative made available professional learning opportunities for educators tailored to each computer science topic area.

Media Release: National Governors Association Selects Maine to Participate in Student and Educator Wellbeing Initiative

The National Governors Association (NGA) selected Maine as one of five states to participate in a new initiative launched to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of students and school staff. Through this initiative, the NGA will support the implementation of the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model at 71 schools across Maine. BARR is a research-backed model focused on strengthening relationships, reducing high-risk student behavior, and improving academic achievement.

Maine will receive technical support from the NGA and their national and state partners and engage in peer learning opportunities with the other states chosen for the initiative, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wyoming.

“We know that there’s still a lot of work to do to get over the tremendous impact the pandemic had on student and educator mental health and wellbeing, and we are thankful to the National Governors Association for their leadership on these issues and for including Maine in this critical initiative. Their selection of Maine is a testament to our commitment to support the mental health and wellbeing of students across the state,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “The Maine Department of Education is doing everything we can to strengthen the wellbeing of all students and educators because it’s foundational to student and school success. That’s why we’ve invested in the BARR model because it’s so focused on relationships and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of our schools to help all students and educators thrive.”

“Maine has been a frontrunner with BARR implementation since 2010. I am thrilled to continue our partnership with Commissioner Makin and the Maine Department of Education to bring BARR services to thousands more students in the state. This exciting initiative by the National Governors Association will strengthen our joint efforts, and BARR Center is honored to be Maine’s choice in this endeavor,” said BARR Center Founder and Executive Director Angela Jerabek.

As the school year begins, 71 Maine schools from every region of the state begin their first year of implementation of the BARR model. They join 15 Maine schools that have previously implemented BARR. The BARR model strengthens relationships between educators and between students and educators and utilizes real-time data to support students based on their strengths and connections to school. BARR aligns with the Maine Department of Education’s whole student approach focused on ensuring all students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, challenged, and prepared. Federal emergency relief funding supported the expansion of the BARR model in Maine schools.

Studies show that the BARR model results in increased student engagement, reduced chronic absenteeism, a 40 percent reduction on average in failure rates after one year of implementation, increased student achievement rates, and a reduction in high-risk student behavior and substance use. BARR reports that the effects are strongest for male students, students of color, students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. Educators report increased job satisfaction and higher levels of collaboration after implementing BARR.

Noble High School first implemented BARR with half of its 9^th grade class in 2014. By the end of the first semester, BARR students had missed roughly half as many days of school as non-BARR students and the school expanded BARR to include all students. Bucksport High School’s graduation rate increased by more than 15 percent after implementing BARR.

BARR is one of several initiatives offered by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to support student and school staff health and wellbeing and can all be implemented to build off one another to build safe, supportive, and healthy learning environments. You can learn more on the Maine DOE website.

Read the NGA’s announcement.

###

Join the #LoveMaineSchools Movement!

The 2023 County Teachers of the Year cohort (CTOYs) want to share your amazing stories! During the 2023-2024 academic school year, the 2023 CTOYs will collect and share positive stories from Maine educators to elevate the teaching profession and connect with a variety of audiences. The group of teachers plan to showcase and distribute stories, images, and videos that capture the exceptional efforts of our magnificent Maine educators as they engage students in dynamic learning opportunities.

The group is trying to reach people across Maine, any and everyone invested in Maine schools including teachers, parents, business partners, policymakers, and community members.

#LoveMaineSchools is the platform for educators to share their passion and spark conversations celebrating positive stories. A new monthly theme, intentionally broad and open to interpretation, will invite participation from all grade levels and content areas. For instance, when the theme is “Making Connections,” submissions can effortlessly explore various aspects of creating links with individuals, families, communities, subject matter, content, and curriculum, among other possibilities. This flexible approach promotes active participation and allows diverse and imaginative interpretations of monthly themes. They want to hear from you and your school community!

As the hashtag #LoveMaineSchools gains momentum and reaches more people, they expect more teachers to share voices and stories.

Submit your stories at bit.ly/lovemaineschoolssubmit

You can see the positive messaging and stories the group has already begun sharing by following their Facebook and Instagram pages.

As part of their year of service in the Teacher of the Year Program, Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine. They also receive ongoing professional learning and participate in many state and county leadership opportunities. For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, visit the Maine Teacher of the Year website.

Brunswick ELO Program Expanding Career Exploration Opportunities for Students

As an Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Ed Tech, Molly Myers supports “the expansion of career exploration experiences and career planning” at Brunswick High School. From career fairs to internships, Myers helps students prepare for their post-high school pursuits.

The program has been incredibly successful among Brunswick students with about 20 students participating directly in ELOs and another 200 taking part in other career-related activities. These related activities included virtual job shadows, career fairs, guest speakers and panels, and more. Myers created course-specific career exploration for teachers to use in their classrooms to help students broaden their horizon of what might be possible through what they are learning in the present.

Students directly involved in the ELO program have completed paid work experiences, such as internships, in several lines of work including healthcare, culinary, veterinary medicine, and education. Through these experiences, students gained confidence in trying new things, asking for help, solving problems, and, in the end, articulating their learning to the larger community.

Myers says the best part of her job is “meeting with students and hearing the stories of their interests, passions, and amazing accomplishments both within and beyond school!”

Myers would like to thank Cory King for being a huge help and supporter of Brunswick’s ELO program.

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are hands-on, credit-bearing courses outside of the traditional classroom with an emphasis on community-based career exploration. These opportunities are personalized for students and help them explore options for their professional lives. They help students engage in learning through instruction, assignments, and experiential learning. The Maine Department of Education (DOE), along with state-wide partner Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG), have made a concerted effort to provide working models, support, and funding opportunities for Maine schools to set up ELO programs within their school communities. To learn more about Maine’s initiatives with extended learning opportunities, visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/index.php/learning/elo or reach out to Maine DOE ELO Coordinator Rick Wilson at rick.wilson@maine.gov.

Regional Conversations for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and Organizations

Join the Maine Department of Education’s Climate Culture Resilience Team for In-Person Fall 2023 Regional Meetings for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and Organizations!

Hear updates on federal, state, and local policies and resources for students and families who are homeless or have unstable
Learn how to increase your school and district’s capacity to support
Hear strategies to increase family engagement from Melanie Junkins, ME DOE.
Brainstorm solution-oriented strategies affecting youth in your school and
Network with colleagues from other schools and organizations in your region.

Dates and Times for Schools and Organizations in Your Region!

York & Cumberland Counties

People’s Choice Credit Union
23 Industrial Park Road Saco
Wednesday, October 18
9:30 am -12:00 pm
Register for Saco mtg

Mid Coast, Kennebec & Somerset Counties

Burton M. Cross Office Building
111 Sewall Street, Augusta
Room 103 A&B
Tuesday, October 24
9:00 -11:30 am
Register for Augusta mtg

Penobscot & Piscataquis Counties

Wings for Children and Families
900 Hammond St, #915, Bangor
Thursday, November 2
8:15 – 10:30 am
Register for Bangor mtg

Washington & Hancock Counties

University of Maine Machias
116 O’Brien Avenue, Machias
Thursday, November 2
1:00 – 3:30 pm
Register for Machias mtg

Aroostook County

Maine Department of Labor
66 Spruce Street, Presque Isle
Friday, November 3 9:00 -11:30am
Register for Presque Isle mtg

Androscoggin, Franklin, & Oxford Counties

University of Southern Maine-Lewiston Auburn College
51 Westminster St, Lewiston
Thursday, November 9
9:00 – 11:30 am
Register for Lewiston mtg

No cost to participants ~ Registration is required. Register for the regional meeting you want to attend! There are separate links for each meeting listed above.

Download a flyer to share at your school or in your community (PDF).

For More Information Contact:
Amelia Lyons at amelia.lyons@maine.gov or Susan Lieberman at susan.lieberman88@gmail.com

ARP funds received from the USDOE support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $795,000 dollars of which 100% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the USDOE or the U.S. Government.

Maine DOE Update – September 1, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Webinar: Quarterly Reporting – September 12, 2023

Join the data team for a webinar about quarterly state reporting requirements – Attendance, Truancy, Behavior, and Bullying. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

What Holds Us Together. Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin’s Back-to-School Message

It’s time to celebrate the start of a bright new school year! Maine students, teachers, and school staff members are transitioning into familiar rhythms and routines, reconnecting with classmates and colleagues, and forging new micro-communities on the bus, in the classroom, in the cafeteria, and on the playground. Maine’s public schools are outstanding and unique in many ways. | More

Maine DOE’s Career Advancement and Navigation Specialists Build Workforce Skills Across Maine

The Maine Department of Education (DOE)’s Adult Education team recently launched a Career Advancement and Navigation Specialist initiative to build workforce skills across Maine. The four state Career Advancement and Navigation Specialists work in different regions of Maine and serve people with the next steps in their careers. They help people explore career options, create impactful resumes, apply for positions, seek further career and skills training, obtain translator services, and connect them with community support resources. | More

Maine DOE Launches Website Updates!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce some updates to our website! This week we launched a new homepage, an updated navigation menu, and a brand-new set of DOE office web pages to streamline your ability to get the resources and support you need from the DOE. | More

MaineCare in Education: New Resources and Updated MaineCare in Education 2023 Guide

The Office of MaineCare Services has updated the MaineCare in Education web page. This webpage provides information and important updates about policy and billing changes to MaineCare-covered services that are provided in an educational setting. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Celebrating Summer Food Service Programs Providing Free, Healthy Meals for Students Across Maine

Portland’s Munjoy South playground filled with people as meals were distributed to students through the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) recently. The Munjoy South playground site, which is one of 12 summer meal sites throughout the city and over 400 across the state, is operated through Portland Public Schools. The site serves 20 to 30 students a day on average and on this particular day, was serving sandwiches, chicken drumsticks, cornbread, fruits, vegetables, milk, and more. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Focus on Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom – A Community of Practice (CoP) Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team is pleased to announce a new Community of Practice (CoP) focusing on supporting challenging behaviors in the classroom. We are excited to bring together pre-k-2nd grade educators across our state in a virtual platform to build a community of support, resources, and learning. | More

Info Sessions: Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers (ConCEPT)

On August 31st and September 7th, the Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is offering informational webinars on “Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers” (ConCEPT), an innovative approach aimed at enhancing your teaching practices and student engagement through concept-based inquiry strategies. This program offers a comprehensive learning experience grounded in evidence-based research that will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to transform your classroom approach. | More

Pre-K for ME, K for ME and 1st Grade for ME Professional Learning Communities Offered

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), along with public school teachers from across the state, are teaming up to offer monthly professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators implementing Pre-K for ME,  K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME in their classrooms.  | More

2023/2024 Community of Practice for New Special Educators

2023/2024 Community of Practice: Plan on Purposeful Play

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

2023/2024 Community of Practice: Plan on Purposeful Play

Fred Rogers wisely said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But, for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” When focusing on the whole student, ensuring the early childhood years are filled with opportunities for play fosters growth across domains of development. If infusing more opportunities for play into your instruction practice interests you, come join Maine DOE’s Early Learning Team for a play-filled community of practice (COP) during the 2023-24 school year. This COP will explore the research behind play being central to early learning and will consider the continuum of playful pedagogy which can be employed to promote learning. It will also examine how playful practices can be purposefully incorporated in pre-k to grade 3 classrooms and will offer opportunities for participants to share successful practices with each other.

The Plan on Purposeful Play COP will meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30-4:30 PM beginning in October 2023 and running through April 2024. The schedule for the COP series is provided below.

Register for the COP through this link by September 30, 2023. An email confirmation with the Zoom link for the series will be sent following the close of registration. Contact hours will be provided at the end of the series.

Month	Topic
October 10	What is playful learning? Why is it important?
November 14	Continuum of playful learning
December 12	Creating conditions for playful learning
January 9	Playful experiences to cultivate domains of development—Part 1
February 13	Playful experiences to cultivate domains of development—Part 2
March 12	Assessing learning through play
April 9	Participant shares/reflections

If you have additional questions about the COP, please contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov or Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.

2023/2024 Community of Practice for New Special Educators

Are you a new special education teacher in your first year or two of teaching? Beginning in September 2023, the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education’s Special Educator Engagement, Development & Supports (SEEDS) project will host a community of practice for you! Each session will be held virtually after school hours and will focus on the most relevant and meaningful topics for you as you start your career as an educator. Topics will be decided by the community of practice and may include areas such as inclusion, co-teaching, collaboration, IEP writing, behavior supports, literacy and math interventions, etc. The community of practice will also have an online platform to engage and support one another in between the monthly meetings.

To register for the New Special Educator Community of Practice, please fill out this survey. The sessions for the 2023-2024 school year are from 3:30-4:45 pm on September 11, October 10, November 8, December 14, January 8, February 13, March 13, April 11, May 13, and June 11.

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Whitlock at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov