Two upcoming national events in nearby Boston will provide extensive professional development opportunities for Maine science educators. Continue reading “Premier science events offer opportunities for Maine educators”
Author: Maine Department of Education
Free newspaper subscriptions available for educators
The Boston Globe News in Education (NIE) program is offering free Boston Globe NIE digital classroom subscriptions and educational resources to Maine teachers in kindergarten through grade 12. Continue reading “Free newspaper subscriptions available for educators”
Deadline approaching for Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest
The deadline for the 18th annual Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest is April 1. In honor of Senator Smith’s trailblazing run for the Republican presidential nomination in 1964, the theme this year is to assess the changes the United States has undergone over the past 50 years. Eight cash prizes ranging from $50 to $1,000 will be awarded. For more information, please visit the library’s website or call 207-474-7133.
Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP
The Maine DOE recently issued guidance regarding the provision of transportation to special education students. In response to questions we’ve received as a result of that dispatch, the Department wishes to provide additional clarity. Continue reading “Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP”
Yarmouth middle school finalist for national environmental competition
The Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth has been named as one of 15 national finalists for the Samsung Solve to Tomorrow Grant. The environmental issue students focused on for the competition was the invasive European Green Crab that is currently having a negative impact on Maine’s shellfish industry and coastal environments. Continue reading “Yarmouth middle school finalist for national environmental competition”
Applications open for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Maine is now accepting applications for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2014-15 school year. Applications must be completed for each school that is eligible for participation. Continue reading “Applications open for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program”
Classroom resources available for Maine Statehood Day
March 15 marks Statehood Day, which according to State statute is intended to “commemorate the admission of Maine as a state into the United States of America and the ideals and wisdom of those men and women who have formed Maine’s history and traditions.”
Maine schools are urged to observe the day and the Maine Historical Society provides a number of online resources to support classroom learning and celebrations, among them: Continue reading “Classroom resources available for Maine Statehood Day”
Maine DOE updates standards resources
In proficiency-based education systems, clearly articulated learning standards that define student expectations play an important role in learning and instruction. Often in educational conversations and resources, the word “standard/s” appears in multiple contexts that can sometimes confound rather than clarify. Continue reading “Maine DOE updates standards resources”
MPA workshop on having hard conversations in education
Courage. It’s perhaps the most essential ingredient of a successful performance evaluation and professional growth system, and yet, it is one element that cannot be legislated. Continue reading “MPA workshop on having hard conversations in education”
Commissioner’s Update – February 27, 2014
From the Maine DOE
2014 marks the 10th anniversary of Mainers voting to require that the State fund 55 percent of the cost of public education. While we in Augusta have worked toward meeting that mandate, we have struggled most years to get to even 50 percent. Due to other funding priorities – especially those related to health and human services – the Legislature simply cannot come up with the money.
As talk of growing Maine’s Medicaid program again swirls in the State House, I’m often asked for my assessment on the potential effects of expansion on education. As our Department’s longtime Director of School Finance and Operations and now its Commissioner, I can tell you I am deeply concerned about the negative impact to Maine schools of further growing this already unsustainable program.
What is particularly troubling to me is the amount of uncertainty that surrounds expansion at the federal level, making it difficult for states and individual departments like ours within those states to truly understand and prepare for the impact. However, if history is any guide, the effects would be significant.
Notices and Reporting
- Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) Federal Tax Credit Bond Application (Reminder), due March 14
- 2014 Maine Educator Talent Pool Recommendations (Reminder), due May 2
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Security reports suggest improvements to keep schools, students safe
Maine schools have positive climates and State agencies are proactive in providing them meaningful safety-related resources, but there are extensive opportunities to better ensure safety. Those are the high-level findings of two school security reports the Maine DOE overviewed to the Legislature’s Education Committee this week. | More
Themes emerge in transition to proficiency-based systems
Focusing funding on professional development, communicating early and often with educators and parents, and the need for strong leadership were the leading learnings that emerged in an analysis of the case studies currently featured on the Maine DOE’s Center for Best Practice. | More
Regional standards-based instruction and assessment workshop for World Language teachers
The Standards-Based Instruction and Assessment Initiative is offering regional workshops to educate and support World Language teachers on standards-based instruction and assessment of student proficiency as districts implement the proficiency-based diploma law. | More
Resources for developing proficiency-based systems that support student learning
The goal of proficiency-based education is to ensure that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for success in college and careers and the centerpiece of achieving proficiency is a clear focus on learning and instruction. There is extensive guidance for developing educational systems that support student proficiency. | More
Drop-in history lab supports National History Day prep
UMaine faculty and graduate students are hosting an informal drop-in history lab to provide one-on-one support for grade 6-12 students and teachers who are preparing a National History Day (NHD) research project. | More
USDA proposes standards for school nutrition professionals
The United States Department of Agriculture is proposing a rule that would establish minimum professional standards for school nutrition personnel who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. | More
