Learning from the latest NECAP results: Part I

Earlier this week, the Department released the state-level results for the 2013-14 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). The test was administered back in October and districts have had (and hopefully been closely analyzing) their individual results since January.

From the state-level data, we can see that while the majority of Maine’s elementary school students are still proficient in math (60.2 percent) and reading (69.1 percent), there are concerning performance declines across the board. While proficiency went up in Grade 5 math and writing and was flat in Grade 3, 5 and 7 reading as well as Grade 7 math, it was down in both math and reading for Grades 3, 4, 6 and 8.

Just as we as a Department encourage you to dig into your data to inform your understanding of challenges and opportunities, we’ve been doing the same here.

Continue reading “Learning from the latest NECAP results: Part I” →

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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Maine DOE releases elementary student assessment results

AUGUSTA – The majority of Maine’s elementary school students are still proficient in reading and math, but State Education Department officials say performance declines in all grade levels tested are a reminder of the importance of school-led improvement work continuing.

The performance of students in grades three through eight, as measured by the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) administered in October, comes just months after the Department announced proficiency in math and reading was on the rise again in Maine high schools, according to scores from the 2013 SAT.

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Innovative Bridge Year ensures college, career readiness

Yesterday, Governor LePage and I announced the 12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Centers who will share in $500,000 granted by the Department to support the expansion of the innovative Bridge Year Program.

This funding will allow as many as 225 students to earn approximately two semesters of college credit before they even graduate from high school and develop technical and life skills for success in college, careers and civic life. More importantly, this program reflects an unprecedented collaboration between high schools, CTE centers, higher education and the workforce that will certainly change the lives of these students and the future of our state.

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Maine DOE bridges transition to college, careers with $500,000 in grants

The funding will allow students to earn post-secondary credit while still in high school and develop technical and life skills for success in college, careers and civic life

AUGUSTA – As many as 225 students will earn approximately two semesters of college credit before they even graduate from high school, thanks to $500,000 from the Maine Department of Education to support the innovative Bridge Year Program.

Continue reading “Maine DOE bridges transition to college, careers with $500,000 in grants” →

Maine DOE recognizes reward schools

Last summer, the Department received approval for an accountability waiver under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This waiver provides flexibility in meeting federal accountability requirements by allowing Maine to implement its own tiered statewide system of support.

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AP4ALL registration now open

Student registration is now open for AP4ALL, which provides online Advanced Placement courses free of charge to any student residing in a Maine school administrative unit who is educated at the public expense. By offering online Advanced Placement courses at no charge, AP4ALL provides equity of access to any student residing in a Maine public high school regardless of where they live and the limits of resources available in their local school. Continue reading “AP4ALL registration now open” →

Literacy for ME community literacy webinar series underway

Recognizing the value of literacy to social and economic well-being, communities across Maine have formed literacy teams to promote birth to adult literacy education efforts. Many of these teams formed in response to the Maine DOE’s Literacy for ME initiative. Continue reading “Literacy for ME community literacy webinar series underway” →

Deadline approaching for Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest

The deadline for the 18^th 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.

Maine Poetry Out Loud finals Feb. 26

The 2014 Maine State Finals for the national Poetry Out Loud program will take place on Feb. 26 at the Waterville Opera House. Kathleen Shannon, co-anchor of WCSH television’s 207 program, will emcee the event. Doors open to the public at 3:30 p.m. and the event begins at 4 p.m. The event is free and no advanced tickets are required. Continue reading “Maine Poetry Out Loud finals Feb. 26” →