Category: Professional Development

Transition to Kindergarten Planning and Mini-Grant Opportunity

Transitioning into kindergarten is a very exciting but often overwhelming time for young learners and their families.  Building strong transition plans that include community partnerships enables schools and educators to be ready to meet children and families where they are in many aspects of this transition period.  The opportunity described below will focus on working with school administrative units (SAUs) and community partners to build kindergarten transition teams and plans. Participants will engage in a technical assistance program that guides the strengthening of community partnerships, equitable practices for families, and a universal understanding of what it means to be ready for children and families to succeed in kindergarten. The goal of implementing kindergarten transition plans is to increase family engagement, encourage school attendance, and build strong partnerships to support kindergarten transitions for children, families, and school communities.

The Early Learning Team in the Office of Teaching and Learning at the Maine Department of Education (DOE), together with the Office of Child and Family Services at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to extend this mini-grant opportunity to build high-quality transition to kindergarten teams and plans. This project will require SAUs to partner with their community early care and education providers.  We encourage all providers who may be interested to reach to their local school administrative units to express interest in being part of their SAU’s (or school’s) transition team.  This opportunity is funded by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG).

Participants will attend monthly technical assistance meetings and take advantage of focused individual sessions as needed. Participants will work to form a transition team for their SAU and will build out a year-long transition plan to support children and families before, during, and after the transition to kindergarten.  Once the transition plans are finalized in February 2025, participants will be eligible for mini-grants to support the implementation of the plans leading up to and continuing into the 2025-2026 school year.  To complete the series, there will also be follow-up technical assistance (TA) sessions, one in September 2025 and one in October 2025.

We invite all interested representatives from SAUs and community early care and education providers to join us for an informational and Q&A session to learn more about this opportunity on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 4:30-5:00 p.m., using the following session link:

Join Zoom Meeting here
Meeting ID: 830 9860 1555

Participants interested in the opportunity will complete a registration form.  The registration form requires identification of preliminary team members (at a minimum, representation of one SAU or school leader, one school educator/staff member, and one community early childhood provider) and assurances for building community partnerships and engaging in the technical assistance meetings. If you need assistance in locating early care and education providers in your area, visit www.childcarechoices.me.  The registration form should be completed by a representative of the SAU. The form will be open through October 25, 2024.

Initial TA meetings will be held on October 29, 2024, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., November 19, 2024, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., and December 17, 2024, from 3:30 -4:30 p.m. We will work together to schedule the remainder of the meetings at a mutually agreed-upon time and date.

Please reach out to Marcy Whitcomb, Public Pre-K Consultant with the Early Learning Team at the Maine DOE, at marcy.r.whitcomb@maine.gov , with any questions and for more information.

Integrating Literacy through the Dispositions with Cris Tovani

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team from the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to bring educator and author Cris Tovani to Maine on October 7th for an all-day workshop that explores ways to engage, excite, and “hook” reluctant learners in building their literacy skills and mastery.

Through the lens of student dispositions, Tovani has discovered ways around the various “masks” some students wear and created opportunities for those students to engage with their own learning in vibrant and authentic ways.

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • describe what full engagement looks like and discuss the importance of engagement in literacy competence,
  • provide reasons for students to read, write, and discuss,
  • model for students how to monitor and repair meaning when reading complex text, and
  • state how these discrete tasks, methods, and skills build literacy proficiency.

The workshop will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Camp Chamberlain in Augusta, Maine, and is free to all Maine educators. Limited in-person spots are available and will be filled as people sign up. Participants can also participate virtually through Zoom, and the workshop will be recorded and shared with educators. Contact hours are available to participants.

To register for this event, please use this registration link.

If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov or  Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov

This workshop is one of four (4) presented by the Interdisciplinary Team on the topic of Integrating Literacy through Applied Learning. All events are available in person and virtually.

November 8, 2024, 9 AM – 3 PM: “Integrating Literacy through Mapmaking” with David Sobel at The Steele House, 639 Main St., Rockland.  Use this registration link to spend the day learning with David Sobel.

December 12, 2024, 8:00 AM—12:00 PM: “Integrating Literacy through Background Knowledge” with Josie Cameron. Wells Conference Center, 169 Hilltop Road, Orono Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Josie Cameron

January 15, 2025,  8 am – 12 noon: “Integrating Literacy through Applied Science with Katie Coppens at the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Katie Coppens

 

Maine Department of Education Sends Thousands of Free Books to be Accessed by Every Public School in the State

(An example of the Welcoming Libraries: Pine Collection, which will be accessed by every public school in Maine.)

This first-in-the-nation initiative exploring themes of immigration, diversity, belonging, and acceptance was kicked off today at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center.

Westbrook, ME – In collaboration with the award-winning Maine nonprofit I’m Your Neighbor Books, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) held The Pine Project’s Welcoming Libraries Celebration, marking the start of this first-in-the-nation initiative. Welcoming Libraries are collections of picture books exploring themes of immigration, diversity, and belonging, curated to foster inclusive communities.

“We know the power of a story. We know the power of books to help transport readers and help them identify with others, feel more connected, feel included in their communities, and feel a sense of belonging. Each story in the Welcoming Libraries: Pine Collections reflects that power of being included,” said Maine DOE Associate Commissioner for Public Education Megan Welter. “We know that through this initiative, readers will get to immerse themselves in wonderful stories and, at the same time, provide educators with the tools to create an even more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.”

The Pine Project, initiated by the Maine DOE, has evolved from a small-scale initiative to a statewide program. Initially, the project comprised 16 libraries that went to as many Maine Schools. Now, through a collaboration with I’m Your Neighbor Books, the Maine DOE has expanded the project to include all public schools in the state and incorporate professional development. This expansion extends the project’s benefits to students and educators throughout Maine, providing every Maine school administrative unit with a Welcoming Library: Pine Collection.

Every collection includes 30 books and a Maine-made bookshelf. Each book includes discussion questions developed by Maine educators and community leaders to facilitate conversations in the classroom.

Some of the educators who worked on the Pine Project. (Courtesy of I’m Your Neighbor Books.)

“I didn’t realize how complex the subject of immigration was because I am an immigrant myself. It was my lived experience. But now, seeing students enjoying reading these books and hearing the conversations they inspire, I understand,” said Ina Demers, an educator involved with the project, who has already had a chance to read some of the curated books to her students.

“It’s super inspiring and exciting and energizing and really gives a sense of hopefulness about growing our capacity for truth-telling and welcoming and creating a sense of deep, deep, deep belonging,” said Francie Latour, author of Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings, one of the books included in Welcoming Libraries: Pine Collection. “We know that belonging is really tied to our ability to learn. It is hard to learn and thrive in school if we don’t feel safe, and belonging gives us that feeling of safety.”

The Pine Project’s Welcoming Libraries Celebration featured a full cast reading of “I’m an American” by Darshana Khiani, performed by fifth graders from Westbrook Middle School. One parent who came to watch her son read shared that the Pine Project made her feel like she and her family truly belonged in Maine.

“I love seeing everyone here. It’s nice,” the parent commented. “After coming here from the Congo seven years ago, it is finally feeling like home.”

The Pine Project has been entirely Maine-based. The collections have been curated by I’m Your Neighbor Books, a Maine nonprofit, containing books by Peaks Island author Anne Sibley O’Brien and audiobook-enhanced titles provided by Portland’s AudioFile Magazine. The libraries sit on a bookshelf designed by Biddeford’s Nomak Design, manufactured by Lisbon Falls’ Orion Woodworking, and topped with signage from South Portland’s Banacom Sign. Martin’s Point Health Care Volunteers packed each set of books and bookshelves with custom packaging designed by Biddeford’s Volk Packaging.

“To have the opportunity to do something with such a strong public mission statement was like a dream come true for us,” said Katie Clark of Nomak Design.

“Maine is a special place for craftsmen and artisans, so it feels good to give my time to make quality products that are a part of Maine’s culture,” said Ryan Cathcart of Orion Woodshop.

The Pine Project also includes free professional learning, designed by the Maine DOE and I’m Your Neighbor Books, to aid educators in utilizing the libraries in their schools.

Students line a stage with books in their hands. On the screen is an illustration of a son hugging his mother around the waist, looking out at houses. To the far left of the state is a book shelf filled with books.
Westbrook Fifth Graders Perform a Full Cast Reading of “I’m An American.”

“The professional learning is a self-guided training to use the featured picture books to teach self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making,” said project lead Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE

Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist. “This is not a curriculum. Instead, this is an application of the Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework.”

“This project aligns with the CASEL framework in lots of ways. First of all, it is specifically intended to encourage welcoming communities and to help students have a greater sense of belonging,” explained CASEL Director of Policy Andrew Tucker. “In general, the CASEL framework is about belonging. It’s about creating these communities where students can acquire important lifelong competencies like self-awareness and self-management. [The Pine Project] allows for social awareness in a huge way because it helps students understand the life experiences of other people. It helps them to talk amongst themselves and build the relationship skills they need to understand somebody else’s perspective.”

The Pine Project’s Professional Learning will be available on September 30th on the Maine DOE website. The Pine Project was funded through Federal Emergency Relief and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. You can learn more about Maine’s use of Federal Emergency Funding on the Maine DOE website.

Integrating Literacy through Applied Learning Workshops

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team in the Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to announce a series of four (4) upcoming workshops on Integrating Literacy through Applied Learning. Registration is free of charge to all Maine educators. Contact hours are available, and all workshops are offered both in person (space is limited) and virtually. Participants will receive additional guidance through monthly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) hosted by the Maine Department of Education to support the application of new learning in the classroom. All workshops and follow-up sessions will be recorded and posted for future viewing. Interested participants may register using the links in the descriptions.

These workshops provide teachers with both a theoretical understanding of emerging research on Whole Child and literacy instruction and practical strategies to apply in their classrooms. By recognizing literacy as a cross-disciplinary skill, the sessions help educators integrate foundational literacy elements (phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) into their teaching. This holistic approach aims to enhance students’ literacy skills and boost their confidence in learning across all subjects.

October 7, 2024: “Integrating Literacy through the Dispositions” with Cris Tovani

Monday, 9 am – 4 pm, Camp Chamberlain, 23 Blue Star Ave., Augusta

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Cris Tovani.

“Even the best reading strategy in the world won’t work if the students are disengaged.” Join educator and author Cris Tovani (Why Do I Have to Read This?) for an all-day workshop to explore ways to engage and excite reluctant readers and learners. Participants in this workshop will gain both insight and practical tools to describe what full engagement looks like, plan so that students are engaged in the work, provide reasons for students to read, write, and discuss, and model how to monitor and repair meaning when reading complex text to promote literacy.

November 8, 2024: “Integrating Literacy through Mapmaking” with David Sobel

Friday, 9 am – 3 pm, The Steele House, 639 Main St., Rockland

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with David Sobel.

“In the beginning, children’s maps represent their experiences of beauty, secrecy, adventure, and comfort. With these effective endeavors as a foundation, I then gradually start to focus on scale, location, direction, and geographic relationships.” Analogous to the foundational skills of reading and writing, mapmaking is a deeply human way for a child to order and make meaning from their world and strengthen literacy. Join acclaimed educator and author David Sobel (Mapmaking with Children) for this hands-on workshop exploring maps and cognitive processes.

December 12, 2024: “Integrating Literacy through Background Knowledge” with Josie Cameron

Thursday, 8 am – 12 noon, Wells Conference Center, 169 Hilltop Road, Orono, ME 04469

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Josie Cameron.

“Students often tell me they have NO IDEA what to write about! When we dig into place-based writing, they’re surprised to find story ideas hidden right in front of their eyes!” Background knowledge, the information and wisdom acquired through our own lived experiences, has in the past been overlooked. However, as research reveals more about the ways in which students learn, it is gaining recognition as a fundamental element in students’ comprehension and ability to make meaning from text – foundational skills to literacy. Join Josie Cameron, Maine author and educator (Not All Heroes, Maybe a Mermaid) as we explore the importance of background knowledge, and how to harness it for learning!

January 15, 2025: “Integrating Literacy through Applied Science with Katie Coppens

Wednesday, 8 am – 12 noon, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick 

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Katie Coppens.

“Integrating science and literacy engages students while enhancing their scientific knowledge and improving their writing skills! Not only that, but it’s fun and a great way to see students’ interests through built in voice and choice!” Learn strategies on integrating science and literacy from Maine teacher and author Katie Coppens (The Acadia Files, What do Black Holes Eat for Dinner?,  Geometry is Easy as Pie). Focus will be on strategies to integrate fiction and nonfiction reading and writing in science, thereby gaining proficiency in literacy, with an emphasis on differentiation. Models and rubrics will be provided. Everyone will leave with ideas for implementation in their own classroom.

If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov or Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov

Participants are welcome to join for one, all four, or whatever fits their schedule!

 

Selection of Fall & Winter Professional Learning Opportunities for Early Learning & Childcare Educators

The Maine Department of Education Office of Teaching and Learning, Early Learning Team, along with our partners at Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services and Maine Resilience Building Network (MRBN), are hosting several professional learning opportunities for childcare and public-school educators working with children this fall and winter. These opportunities are funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Renewal Grant.

  1. Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience – a series of free virtual (via ZOOM) professional development sessions for PK-3 public-school educators to learn about how childhood experiences impact children’s development, including strategies for supporting positive experiences, in addition to tools for educators in addressing self-resilience.
  2. Empowering Early Childhood Educators to Foster Resilience and Positive Childhood Experiences: A Train the Trainer Opportunity—this program is designed to equip early childhood educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to promote Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and resilience in your early care and education environment by facilitating workshops on these topics.

Find more information on each opportunity below.

Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

The Maine Resilience Building Network will be hosting a series of free virtual (via ZOOM) professional development sessions in partnership with Maine DOE and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services throughout the fall and winter. These sessions will focus on:

  • how adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development,
  • ideas for how to support a stronger focus on positive experiences and for building resilience for young children, and
  • strategies for how educators can address compassion fatigue and build their own resilience.

Descriptions of all 3 available offerings can be found here. Two contact hours are available for each session. Registration is required and links to each session are provided within the table below. There is no cost to attend sessions.

Date/Time Program and Registration Link
Monday, September 9, 9-11 am The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I) https://maineresilience.org/event-5813524
Monday, September 16, 9-11 am A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)  https://maineresilience.org/event-5813527
Monday, September 23, 9-11 am Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers  https://maineresilience.org/event-5813530
Tuesday, October 15, 6-8 pm The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)  https://maineresilience.org/event-5813531
Tuesday, October 22, 6-8 pm A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)   https://maineresilience.org/event-5813534
Tuesday, October 29, 6-8 pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers https://maineresilience.org/event-5813538
Wednesday, November 6, 3-5 pm

 

 The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I)  https://maineresilience.org/event-5813542
Wednesday, November 13, 3-5 pm A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II)  https://maineresilience.org/event-5813544
Wednesday, November 20, 3-5 pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers  https://maineresilience.org/event-5813556
Thursday, January 9, 3-5 pm The Impact of Experience: How Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Childhood Experiences Impact Healthy Child Development (Part I) https://maineresilience.org/event-5813557
Thursday, January 16, 3-5 pm A Framework for Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences to Support Healthy Child Development (Part II) https://maineresilience.org/event-5813559
Thursday, January 23, 3-5 pm Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Resilience Strategies in Educators and Caregivers https://maineresilience.org/event-5813561

Additional questions can be directed to the Maine Department of Education’s Early Childhood Specialist, nicole.madore@maine.gov.

Empowering Early Childhood Educators to Foster Resilience and Positive Childhood Experiences:  A Train the Trainer Opportunity

The train-the-trainer program is designed to equip early childhood educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to promote Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and resilience in your early care and education environment. This comprehensive program will empower you to lead training sessions within your own community, ensuring that more children and families across Maine benefit from these vital strategies.

Target Audience

This program is ideal for:

  • Early childhood educators
  • Pre-K providers
  • Public school professionals (serving children ages Pre-K to Grade 3)
  • Any stakeholders involved in supporting children ages 0-8 across Maine

Prerequisite

Participants should have experience in facilitating professional development sessions and a strong commitment to promoting PCEs and resilience.

Program Objectives

  • Understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and PCEs on healthy child development.
  • Learn evidence-based strategies to foster resilience in children, families, and communities.
  • Master the art of delivering effective training sessions to diverse audiences, including educators, caregivers, and community stakeholders.
  • Facilitate engaging discussions and activities that promote PCEs.
  • Provide ongoing support and resources to educators and caregivers in your community.

Program Content

Participants will:

  1. Build an understanding of the impact of experience by:
    • Exploring the effects of ACEs on early brain development and lifelong well-being.
    • Discovering the latest research on PCEs and their role in fostering positive mental health in adulthood.
  2. Strengthen the ability to foster Positive Childhood Experiences by:
    • Learning practical strategies to promote PCEs through the Positive Resilience Development framework.
    • Engaging in cognitive reframing techniques focused on protective factors and strengths.
    • Applying the Positive Resilience Development framework to real-life scenarios through group activities and case studies.
  3. Achieve certification as a PCE and resilience trainer:
    • This certification will document your expertise and readiness to deliver impactful training sessions.

Program Duration

  • 4 weeks with one virtual session per week (each session is approximately 2 hours).

Timeline and Session Topics

  • 10/23 Week 1: Introduction and Overview
  • 10/30 Week 2: Understanding the Impact of Experience (Part I)
  • 11/6 Week 3: Implementing Positive Childhood Experiences (Part II)
  • 11/13 Week 4: Application and Practice Session / Wrap-up and Certification

Total Contact Hours – 12 (8 hours for TTT Program + 4 hours prerequisite training)

Register today to transform your training approach and help children, families, and communities thrive across Maine.

For questions, please email MRBN’s Executive Director, Delvina Miremadi-Baldino at delvina@maineresilience.org

Cultivating Collaborative Relationships: Technical Assistance and Mini-Grant Opportunity for Early Care and Education Communities – Info Session 9/19

With the ever-growing understanding of and commitment to serving the whole child and family, the need for relationship building among early care and education providers within communities is even more important.  When early care and education providers, such as child care, Head Start, schools, YMCAs, and libraries, get to know the work each does to support children and families during the early years, partnerships can emerge to achieve shared, positive outcomes.

These partnerships can vary in their design and in their intended purposes, depending on the context and needs of the community. Examples of early care and education community partnerships include providing public pre-k, supporting the transition of special education responsibilities for 3–5-year-olds to the public schools, strengthening kindergarten transitions and registration, and offering shared professional development among educators.  But how do you start building relationships among community partners?  Who do you contact?  What are possible partnership opportunities in your community? The Maine Department of Education’s Pathways to Partnership series is designed to help communities answer these questions and build relationships among early care and education providers to benefit young children and their families.

Recognizing that every community’s needs are different, and each early care and education provider brings a variety of important perspectives to the work, the Early learning team is seeking communities open to exploring the benefits of relationship building and community partnerships.  Community teams will need to have at least one leadership representative from a school administrative unit (SAU) or school (e.g., principal, assistant principal, superintendent, curriculum coordinator, etc.) as well as at least one licensed community-based provider (e.g., family childcare, center-based care, Head Start, YMCA, etc.) willing to attend a 4-part series to learn about the various partnerships that occur in Maine. Although only these two members are required, teams are strongly encouraged to have broader representation from their early care and education community.

The series will include facilitated and focused planning time for team members. Upon completion of the series, a mini-grant opportunity will be available for communities to secure additional facilitated support to continue the work started during the series.  Each 90-minute session in the series will be held over zoom on the following dates. The exact time will be determined after registration information has been reviewed.:

  • Thursday, October 17th
  • Thursday, November 7th
  • Thursday, December 5th
  • Thursday, January 16th

To register for the series, follow this link to the application.

For further questions, please reach out to Michelle Belanger, Pre-K partnership Specialist at Michelle.belanger@maine.gov

 

 

New MTSS Cohort Opportunity to Equip Principals in Leading Equity-based MTSS for Student Supports

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce an innovative training program that will empower school principals to champion equity-based Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for comprehensive student success.

Implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support is a requirement in Maine schools.  The purpose of this learning cohort is to provide training and support to Maine school principals and related personnel with the design and implementation of MTSS frameworks that provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary for addressing the diverse needs of students and to promote school and student success effectively.  By adopting a schoolwide MTSS, schools can foster a culture of academic, behavior, social/mental health, and attendance support, early intervention, and data-driven decision-making, ultimately leading to improved growth and achievement rates and better outcomes for all students.

Participants in this cohort will:

  • Build capacity to design and effectively lead schoolwide MTSS across grades PK-12
  • Develop knowledge and skills to make MTSS a part of the school culture to ensure valuable work in high-leverage student supports that can be blended and braided into a cohesive system that leads to longterm positive impact,
  • Convene relevant stakeholders into MTSS leadership teams that are prepared to utilize research-based strategies for identifying areas of concern/need, assessing identified problems, selecting solutions, creating targeted plans, and monitoring outcomes that cross all school domains (reading, mathematics, behavior, social and emotional/mental health, and attendance)
  • Explore and learn how to use a variety of MTSS implementation tools and resources that are used to assess and build readiness for MTSS implementation, assist principals in aligning initiatives and layering support for maximum impact and long-term sustainability, and facilitate the identification of existing or future barriers that may have a negative impact on the implementation of MTSS and provide action steps for removing barriers to aid in successful MTSS implementation.

The MTSS cohort will take place through a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous learning sessions from October 2024 through December 2024, utilizing both live in-person and virtual sessions, including onsite school visits, small group in-person team-based workshop events at a centralized location, and a 2-day whole group in-person convening at a location to be determined.

Please attend the online information session for more detailed information regarding the timeline, commitment requirements, and in-person meeting location(s).

The program is open to PK-12 principals and any of their designated MTSS Team members.  Applications for participation will open after September 9th and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through September 26th until all slots are filled.  All schools will be notified of their application status no later than September 27th, with virtual learning sessions to begin the week of October 7th.

For further questions, you can reach out to Andrea Logan, MTSS Specialist, via email (andrea.logan@maine.gov) or by phone (207-592-2011) Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM.

Office Hours: Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team is pleased to offer office hours focused on Maine’s MTSS Framework beginning Friday, October 4th at 10am, and occurring every first Friday of the month thereafter.

The first half of each session will provide a comprehensive overview of Maine’s MTSS framework.  The second half of the session will be open to questions/problems of practice brought up by attending participants. Sessions are meant to be a time for educators and administrators across the learning continuum to come together to learn about the framework, ask questions, celebrate successes, and/or work through problems of practice in MTSS implementation. These sessions are MTSS Framework-specific and are offered as a space for educators to bring their voices to the table.

Register for MTSS Framework Office Hours here.  You only need to register once and you may attend as many weeks as you like! Office hours are offered as part of the Maine DOE’s MTSS Technical Assistance program and are meant for your use and discussion. You are welcome to stay for the full hour or to join for just a portion of the sessions.

For more information, contact Andrea Logan, MTSS Specialist, at andrea.logan@maine.gov or by calling (207) 592-2011.

Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Implementation Toolbox Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce a new learning series for the 2024-2025 school year.

Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its strength lies in its flexibility and ability to be tailored to each school’s specific context. While the core principles of MTSS—data-based decision-making, layered support, and continuous progress monitoring—are universally applicable, the implementation strategies and tools need to be customized to fit your school’s unique challenges and goals.

The tools you choose to integrate into your MTSS framework can make a significant difference. From assessing student needs to providing targeted interventions, the right tools can streamline processes, improve outcomes, and enhance overall effectiveness.  Our MTSS Toolbox Series is designed with these complexities in mind.  Each month’s session will focus on a different MTSS tool, offering you insights into how it can be used effectively within your own framework.  Here’s what you can expect by participating in this series:

  1. A New Tool Each Month: Each session will explore a specific MTSS tool, providing an in-depth look at its features, benefits, and applications. Whether it is a recommended text, an intervention strategy, or a new assessment tool, we’ll explore how each tool fits into a broader MTSS system and how it can be adapted to each school’s unique needs.
  2. Practical Applications: Each session will focus on bridging theory into practice by highlighting tools that can be implemented to solve various instruction and intervention needs.  Tools will be selected based on their ability to be implemented so that educators and students can benefit from their application.
  3. Customization and Support: Because each school’s needs are different, this series will also address how each tool can be adapted to fit various contexts, from PK through Grade 12.  The goal is to help you identify which tools align best with your specific needs and how to customize their use for maximum impact.
  4. Interactive Learning: Engage with fellow educators, share experiences, and participate in cooperative learning.  These sessions are designed to be interactive, allowing you to collaborate with your peers and gain insights from their experiences.

Participating in MTSS Toolbox sessions offers several key benefits.

  • Enhanced Understanding: Gain a deeper understanding of Maine’s MTSS Framework and tools you can use to implement the framework
  • Improved Outcomes: Learn how to integrate and modify these tools into your schools’ MTSS framework
  • Tailored Strategies: Discover how to adapt tools to meet your school’s specific needs
  • Professional Growth: Stay current with best practices in MTSS implementation and continuous school improvement

Below is a breakdown of the planned topics for each month. Sessions will be held monthly at 3:30 pm. Participants can register through the Maine DOE Professional Learning Calendar found at this link.  You will need to register individually for each session that you want to attend.

  • September 11th, 2024: MTSS around the Maine DOE: BARR, SPDG, EASE, Count Me In, A-List, MLL, School Improvement – In this Toolbox session, participants will learn about all of the MTSS initiatives happening across the Maine DOE.  Registration link.
  • October 2nd, 2024: Instructional Support Matrix Tool and Student Intervention Progress Note Tool – In this toolbox session, participants will get a first look at two Maine DOE-created implementation support tools: Instructional support matrix tool and student intervention progress note tool.  Registration Link.
  • November 6th, 2024: All about Evidence-Based Improvement Tools—West Ed, a research organization specializing in research-based and evidence-based practices, offers some amazing capacity-building tools for improving evidence-based implementation. In this toolbox session, we will explore a few of these tools and discuss how they can be applied to your MTSS implementation framework. Registration Link.
  • December 4th, 2024:  Field Trip! Exploring the SWIFT Center, University of Florida MTSS Modules, NIRN (National Implementation Research Network), and the IRIS Center –   In this session, we will go on a virtual field trip to explore 4 exceptional websites focused on improving your skills for MTSS implementation.  Registration Link.
  • January 8th, 2025: Funding (MTSS)—In this toolbox session, participants will explore various funding streams and ways to fund MTSS in their school. Registration Link.
  • February 5th, 2025: Continuous Improvement Processes: Instructional Rounds, 4-Step Problem Solving Process—In this toolbox session, we will explore two evidence-based practices for identifying and addressing practice and intervention planning’s implementation problems. Registration Link.
  • March 5th 2025: Books Talk: Suggested books for schoolwide MTSS Implementation – This session will feature (4) mini-book talks as we explore the uses and benefits of 4 highly valuable books for MTSS framework building and implementation: Effective Universal Instruction, Leading Equity-based MTSS for All Students, The Road to Success with MTSS, and Demystifying MTSS.  You do not have to have read these books to join the discussion, but I welcome anyone who has read any or all of these books to join and enrich the conversation. Registration Link.
  • April 2nd, 2025: Exploring the Hexagon Tool—In this toolbox session, we will examine the Hexagon evaluation tool. This evidence-based tool assesses your capacity for evaluating, selecting, and implementing MTSS practices. Registration Link.
  • May 7th, 2025: Training Planning Template—In this toolbox session, we will examine a tool designed to support the necessary adult behavior change to implement MTSS Frameworks effectively. Registration Link.
  • June 4th, 2025: Action Planning—In this toolbox session, we will explore various action planning tools and templates that will help schools prepare for the upcoming school year and beyond. Registration Link.

For questions or for more information, please contact Andrea Logan, MTSS Specialist, at andrea.logan@maine.gov.

Free Training on How to Identify, Assess & Support Students Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviors

Effective behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) protocols in schools are an indispensable component of maintaining the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the entire school community. Threat assessment is not only about identifying potential threats but also about preventing violence and promoting a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to report concerns.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) School Safety Center offers exclusive Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) Training by Navigate360 in partnership with Dr. Dewey Cornell.

This training offers:

  • Improved Risk Identification: Empower team members with the knowledge and skills to identify and assess early warning signs and risk factors associated with threatening behavior, enabling timely intervention and prevention efforts.
  • Expanded Expertise: Build expertise within the team by providing specialized training on threat assessment principles, protocols, and nationally recognized practices, empowering members to effectively fulfill their responsibilities with fairness and fidelity.
  • Proactive Prevention and Intervention Strategies: Equip team members with proactive prevention and intervention strategies, enabling them to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into harm.

Effective CSTAG relies on well-trained multi-disciplinary teams and is compatible with Restorative Practices, positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS).  Administrators, social workers, nurses, teachers, special education teams, transportation & facilities professionals, as well as psychologists and behavioral specialists are encouraged to attend.

CSTAG Level 1 training is available at any time to be completed online, individually, in about 3 hours.  The 4-hour CSTAG Level 2 training is completed as a team and will be offered monthly via zoom or in-person.

A follow-up CSTAG Level 3 training is available for trained teams who would like a 2-3 hour refresher.

Shorter 60-90 minute modules are available for staff and law enforcement who will not serve on a BTA team but would benefit from understanding the process.

For questions about BTAM in schools, please contact Dr. Karen Barnes (karen.a.barnes@maine.gov).  To enroll a multi-disciplinary team for training, Superintendents or designated proxies can contact Rebekah Sousa (Rebekah.Sousa@maine.gov).