Author: Maine Department of Education

Guidance on emailing IEPs, related documents to parents

The Maine DOE has received informal guidance from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) regarding whether a school administrative unit (SAU) may use electronic mail to provide parents with their child’s individualized education programs (IEPs) and related documentation, such as progress reports. If the parent and the SAU agree to the use of email for this purpose and the SAU takes the steps necessary to protect the integrity of the process, emailing IEPs and related documents to parents is allowed.

The attached letter provides the complete text of OSEP’s guidance on this matter.

If you have any questions, please contact Maine DOE Office of Special Services Director Jan Breton at janice.breton@maine.gov.

Maine students participate in Technology and Engineering Literacy Assessment

A sample of Maine schools with eighth-grade students recently participated in the Technology and Engineering Literacy Assessment (TEL), as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

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Maine DOE approves Marshall Teacher Evaluation Rubrics

As part of its commitment to ensuring great teachers and leaders in all Maine schools, the Maine DOE endorsed, in 2012, professional practice standards that set the benchmarks for teacher and principal effectiveness and pre-approved certain professional practice models for use in Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PE/PG) systems.

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Using targeted transition funds in K-8 schools

Last fall, the Maine DOE distributed $2 million to school administrative units (SAUs) to support their transition to a proficiency-based diploma. In the months since, the Department has received inquiries related to the use of these targeted transition funds in K-8 schools.

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Maine DOE welcomes new Arts Specialist

Kevin Facer has joined the Maine DOE as its Visual and Performing Arts Specialist. In his new role, Facer will support districts in their implementation of best practices in visual and performing arts education, participate in the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative and serve as the regional representative for Washington and Hancock Counties.

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New federal provisions on maintenance of effort requirement under IDEA

A provision included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 2014 (signed by the President in January) sets forth the level of effort a local educational agency (LEA) must meet under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Part B in the year after it fails to maintain the level of local, or State and local, expenditures for the education of children with disabilities (known as LEA MOE). The provision is effective for the federal fiscal year 2014 Part B grants, which are awarded on July 1, 2014.

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Maine DOE opens registration for free online AP classes

The offering of free Advanced Placement courses through AP4ALL is another way the Maine Department of Education provides digital learning opportunities to all Maine students

AUGUSTA – Student registration is now open for free online Advanced Placement courses that will start next September.

As part of its commitment to providing digital learning opportunities to all Maine students, the Maine Department of Education’s AP4ALL program allows all high school students who are educated at the public expense access to the year-long online Advanced Placement courses. The Department also covers the cost of books and materials.

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Equipment grants available for Maine food service programs

Maine has received $73,808 in National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant funds. These funds from the United States Department of Agriculture will assist school food authorities (SFAs) in purchasing equipment needed to meet the new nutritional standards for schools as required by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Continue reading “Equipment grants available for Maine food service programs” →

Maine Student Film and Video Festival contest open

The Maine Student Film and Video Festival is seeking entries through June 1.

The free filmmaking contest, run by the nonprofit Maine Film Center, provides K-12 students with an opportunity to stretch their imaginations and test their filmmaking skills. Continue reading “Maine Student Film and Video Festival contest open” →