Maine DOE publishes applied learning lesson plans

The Department has published 30 lesson plans that support hands-on, applied learning for Maine’s middle school students.

Creation of the lesson plans, which have been delivered in classrooms across the state and are now additionally available on the Department’s website, was led by Jobs for Maine’s Graduates. Each lesson has been aligned with the Maine Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Clusters to allow for a relevant connection to the applied learning opportunity.

Continue reading “Maine DOE publishes applied learning lesson plans”

CTE educators benefit from professional development opportunities

Career and technical educators and administrators from around Maine recently gathered at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center to receive training on Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards, assessment and industry recognized credentials.

The Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education facilitated and organized the conference for the 400 participants and the Maine DOE CTE staff led many of the professional development workshops offered.  Continue reading “CTE educators benefit from professional development opportunities”

Commissioner’s Update – November 6, 2014

From Maine Education Commissioner Jim Rier

Career and technical education (CTE) plays a critical role in strengthening the college and career readiness of our students and the economic future of our state.

At 27 centers across Maine, CTE educators are engaging and exciting our students with relevant, hands-on learning experiences. Through rigorous, standards-based programming that always has the student and their post-secondary goals at the center, these important teachers are helping students develop the academic and technical skills they’ll need for success in the 21st century. Like all Maine educators, they deserve our thanks for inspiring students and helping them to realize their potential.

In particular, I’d like to recognize Stanley Sluzenski and Suzanne M. Hall, two excellent educators who reflect the professionalism and commitment to students that is necessary and now commonplace in our CTE centers.

Continue reading


Notices and Reporting

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar


News & Views

MEA science testing window extended, will better accommodate AP students

The science portion of the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) will be administered to all students in grades five and eight and to those in their third year of high school during a three-week window from May 4 to May 22. | More

Revised National Board certification process for teachers

Over the years Maine has built an important cohort of National Board certified educators. Created for teachers, by teachers, National Board Certification is a voluntary, performance-based, peer-review process. | More

Resource available for elementary school principals

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has released a new resource for elementary school principals. | More

Maine DOE provides PD program for arts educators

The Maine DOE is inviting arts educators to participate in a professional development program. | More

Maine DOE offers HIV prevention educator trainings

Two HIV prevention educator trainings are scheduled in December as a result of funding provided by the passage of LD1699. | More

Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey registration open

The Maine DOE, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is encouraging public schools to register for the 2015 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS). | More

District academic staff evaluation survey data due

The new Maine DOE NEO EDFacts School Academic Staff Evaluation Survey (formerly the MEDMS Educator Quality and Effectiveness EQE survey) is scheduled for initial rollout. | More

Department school nutrition team provides reminders to districts

Numbers in the National School Lunch Program are collected every November when a district files its October claim information. | More

Maine DOE learning technology staff attend SETDA leadership summit

Members of the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team recently returned from the annual State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) leadership summit. | More

Native American history and culture essay contest call for entries

In an effort to enhance Maine Native American Studies lessons, the Secretary of State is sponsoring an essay contest. | More

Register for Schools, Technology and the Law seminar to be held Nov. 14

Registration is open for “Schools, Technology and the Law” seminar hosted by Drummond Woodsum at the Augusta Civic Center on Nov. 14. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | From the Commissioner


LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Final deadline for proficiency-based diploma extension applications Oct. 18

The final deadline for districts looking for an extension in implementing a proficiency-based diploma requirement is next week.

Earlier this year, the Department released six extension request options to provide the time and support districts say they need to undertake the thoughtful, systemic change needed to ensure quality implementation of systems that support the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas starting in 2018.

Continue reading “Final deadline for proficiency-based diploma extension applications Oct. 18”

All students, all standards but different demonstrations of proficiency

As Maine moves toward a proficiency-based education system that will ensure students graduate from our high schools having mastered State learning standards, I am often asked what this expectation means for our nearly 30,000 students with disabilities.

Continue reading “All students, all standards but different demonstrations of proficiency”

Mid-Maine Technical Center receives SHAPE award for safety

AUGUSTA— Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette announced that the Mid-Maine Technical Center has earned the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE). Mid-Maine Technical Center, a regional school covering Lawrence, Messalonskee, Waterville and Winslow High Schools, offers 24 career and technical education courses to 470 students.

SHAPE recognizes public-sector organizations that voluntary undertake a rigorous safety achievement program for their workers; in the case of schools, students also benefit from improved safety. Continue reading “Mid-Maine Technical Center receives SHAPE award for safety”

Smarter Balanced Digital Library surpasses 2K item mark, workshops offered

The Maine DOE is pleased to announce the Smarter Balanced Digital Library, a collection of vetted instructional, assessment and professional development resources, currently contains more than 2,000 resources, including each grade level, K-12, in the content areas of mathematics and English language arts.

Continue reading “Smarter Balanced Digital Library surpasses 2K item mark, workshops offered”

Department provides answers to proficiency FAQs

As the Class of 2018 enters its first year of secondary school, school leaders are thinking deeply and asking questions about what it means to award a proficiency-based diploma after Jan. 1, 2018. In 2012, Maine enacted landmark legislation making high school graduation starting in 2018 dependent upon the following four requirements:

Continue reading “Department provides answers to proficiency FAQs”