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).

Monday, September 16th from 3:30-4:30 pm – Register here.

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:

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.
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.
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.
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).

Maine Educators Named Lead Co-Regulators to Support Phase 2 with The Regulated Classroom™

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and The Regulated Classroom (TRC) have named co-regulators to support educators across the state to support wellbeing and create safe and welcoming classrooms.

The first phase of the partnership included two-day training workshops specifically designed to enable educators to support staff in decreasing educator and student stress in the classroom through the application of the TRC™ framework. When phase 1 wraps up in September 2024, approximately 1,200 Maine educators will have attended Train-the-Trainer events hosted across the state.

Phase 2 introduces the sustainability of the TRC™ framework by providing additional training to a group of educators who completed Phase 1. These educators, the Lead Co-Regulators, will provide regional support to educators in implementing the TRC framework. The first TRC™ Lead Co-Regulators Workshop was held during the Maine DOE’s Annual Educator Summit.

The response to TRC™ training sessions from Maine educators was overwhelmingly positive, but many trainers found they needed more support. The success of the first phase of the partnership is evidenced in participants’ expressions of renewed faith that they can be successful in the classroom. The challenges educators face on a daily basis have been compounded in the wake of the pandemic. The right tools, resources, and supports have made a positive difference for educators.

The sustainability project establishes nine regional cohorts of educators who will, together, participate in a Community of Practice (CoP), providing in-person opportunities to share successes and brainstorm strategies to meet the challenges of practice. The intention of the CoP is to provide a continued framework of support for the new Lead Co-Regulators (LCR) working internally to support and train their colleagues throughout the schools of Maine in the TRC™ framework. Lead Co-Regulators were chosen through an application process occurring in late July. The intent was for each Superintendent Region to have two co-leaders from the region; however, due to the short turnaround of the application process and mandatory attendance at the August 8^th training, some co-leads will be traveling to alternate regions, providing support for all nine regions.

Maine’s Lead Co-Regulators (LCR)

LCR Contact Information	Superintendent Region	School/District of LCR
Claire Nichols cnichols@madawaskaschools.org	Aroostook Region	Madawaska High School
Sierra Blake sblake@rsu63.org	Penquis Region (Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset)	RSU63/Eddington
Cecilia Dube Cdube@sedomocha.org	Penquis Region (Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset)	SeDoMoCha Elementary – Dover-Foxcroft
Kayla Newmeyer kaygeorgiapeach@gmail.com	Traveling to Washington Region	Lewiston Public Schools
Julie Carpenter Carpenterjao@yahoo.com	Traveling to Washington Region	Auburn School District
Dawn McLaughlin dmclaughlin@msad41.us	Traveling to Hancock Region	Milo/Brownville Elementary
Heather Wilson hwilson@svrsu.org	Mid-Coast Region (Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc)	RSU 12- Windsor Elementary School
Deb Taylor dtaylor@svrsu.org	Mid-Coast Region (Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc)	RSU 12- Alna, Chelsea, Palermo, Somerville, Westport Island, Whitefield, and Windsor
Amanda Clark amanda.clark@mtbluersd.org	Western Maine Region (Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford)	RSU 9
Julie Schmidt jschmidt@lewistonpublicschools.org	Western Maine Region (Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford)	Geiger Elementary/Lewiston Public Schools
Stacy Knappe stacyreilly@mac.com	Cumberland Region	Scarborough Public Schools
Jessica Hunt jessica.hunt@lakeregionschools.org	Cumberland Region	MSAD 61Stevens Brook Elm Schl, Lake Region Schl District,
Kristy McNaughton Kmcnaughton@msad11.org	Kennebec Valley Region (Kennebec, Waldo)	Gardiner Area High School
Shannon Murdoch smurdoch@rsu18.org	Kennebec Valley Region (Kennebec, Waldo)	Messalonskee Middle School
Samantha Grace Samantha.grace@msad60.org	York Region	Noble High School/MSAD60
Anne-Marie Hamlin annemariehamlin@rsu57.org	York Region	Shapleigh Memorial School

All previously trained educators are invited to participate in three regional in-person CoPs. Lead Co-Regulators and the Maine DOE Events Calendar will notify them of those sessions.

Please complete this brief form to be included in the regional list serve: Complete THIS Interest Form!

Free Professional Learning: Integrating WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to provide support to School Administrative Units (SAUs) in their continued implementation of Maine’s English Language Development Standards. We invite all districts to participate in the following trainings:

A free, self-paced, six-module course called The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach is available to all Maine public school educators through the WIDA Secure Portal. If you do not have a WIDA Secure Portal account, contact WIDA Client Services to have one set up for you. (Note that you must have a Maine public school email address.)All twelve WIDA self-paced courses provide leaders and educators the opportunity to responsively designed and implement professional learning through active facilitation and collaboration cycles for language growth and development. This can happen during department/grade level meetings, allocated professional learning time, or extended learning structures such as Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
The Maine DOE is also hosting a virtual workshop facilitated by WIDA: Planning with the WIDA ELD Standards Framework. The workshop will occur on October 2nd and October 9th from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Participants must attend both sessions. This is an opportunity to leverage collaborative teams through participation. The workshops are free and limited to 40 participants. Registration closes September 25th. Register here.

Visit the Maine DOE website to access additional professional learning opportunities related to the WIDA ELD Standards and other topics specific to ESOL and bilingual/multilingual programs.

If you have any questions about the WIDA ELD Standards or the requirements for implementation, please get in touch with Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) State Specialist at Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov or Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Bilingual and Multilingual Education Specialist at Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov

Inclusive Education Professional Growth Opportunities for Early Learning Educators

To support inclusion in Maine’s early childhood programs, the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is excited to share four professional growth opportunities. These opportunities, which are part of the statewide Inclusion Initiative for children birth to grade 3, and funded by the Maine’s Preschool Development Grant, are available at no cost to Maine’s early care and education professionals who work with children birth to grade 3.

Inclusion Book Club

This virtual book club is available at no cost to Maine early care and education professionals interested in creating more inclusive classrooms. Book club participants will read and reflect on Inclusion Includes Us: Building Bridges and Removing Barriers in Early Childhood Classrooms (Huber, 2023).

If you’re interested in participating in the Inclusion Book Club, please complete this form. For more information, please contact Shilo Goodhue at shilo.goodhue@maine.edu.

Due to high demand, MRTQ PDN will be adding Inclusion Book Club offerings at different times in addition to the ones currently scheduled. If you’re interested in future offerings of the Inclusion Book Club, you can indicate your interest on page 2 of the form above.

Inclusive Education PreK to 12

Developed by the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS) at the University of Maine, this 20-hour on-demand training provides the fundamentals for creating classrooms that are inclusive of all students. The on-demand format allows participants to proceed at their own pace and to engage in the training when their busy schedules allow. No-cost access to this training is limited to early care and education professionals who work with children from birth to 3rd grade.

To participate, please complete this form to receive a code for free registration.

Inclusion Micro-Credential

The Inclusion Micro-Credential, offered by the University of Maine System, includes the 20-hour on-demand Inclusive Education PreK to grade 12 training above and a one-day in-person session for an in-depth discussion on applying training content (dates to be determined). No-cost access to this training is limited to early care and education professionals who work with children ages birth to 3rd grade.

To participate, please complete this form to receive a code for free registration.

Maine Inclusion Credential

The Maine Inclusion Credential helps practitioners build the skills, knowledge, resources, and attitudes to offer care to ALL children in an inclusive environment. Accepted applicants will be part of a cohort of early care providers and public school staff that completes the training series as a group for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Join an information session on September 4 at 6:30 pm – Click this Zoom link or contact Shilo Goodhue at shilo.goodhue@maine.edu.

If you’re interested in participating in the Maine Inclusion Credential cohort, please complete this form .

September Data Management and Reporting Webinars

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team has many data management and reporting webinars scheduled in preparation for fall data collection. The Maine DOE Events Calendar lists all Data Team webinars for Synergy and NEO. Filter to the area of focus, “Data.” For questions regarding data reporting webinars, please contact Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov .

NEO Staff Data Entry Webinar:
September 3rd at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy Economic Status Upload & Alternate Economic Status Webinar:
September 5th at 12pm – Register Here

2024-2025 Quarterly Reports Webinar:
September 10th at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy Multilingual Learner Upload & Reporting Webinar:
September 12th at 12pm – Register Here

NEO Dropout Report Webinar:
September 17th at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy Special Education Upload Webinar:
September 19th at 12pm – Register Here

October 1 Enrollment Report Webinar:
September 24th at 12pm – Register Here

Training Opportunity: Moving the Needle on Inclusivity in Teaching and Learning

This event is open to all school personnel.

The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) is hosting a training opportunity focused on learning around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and the impact that increasing understanding of DEIJ can have on teaching practices, instructional strategies, classroom management in every discipline area, as well as school climate.

Think about the following:

Have you looked at your curriculum and teaching practices with a lens of inclusion?
Are your materials representative of all students and their families?
Are your practices and use of language inclusive of all students and families?
Is there any evidence of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice?

If you answered not sure or no to any of the questions, this training is a great place to start. The 2-day interactive training will include an exploration of foundational concepts in DEIJ and what it looks like in curriculum, instructional strategies, classroom management practices, and school climate. Following the 2-day training, there will be virtual Community of Practice sessions offered during the school year to reflect on DEIJ implementation in the classroom and school community. Trainers and Maine DOE specialists will also be available for technical assistance during this time.

Dr. Sarah Benes (she, her, hers) is the consultant for this initiative. Sarah is an assistant professor at Southern Connecticut State University in health education and physical education. In addition, she is the co-owner of Lighthouse Wellness & Health Education Consulting, and the current Past-President of SHAPE America. The training is being delivered and facilitated by health education and physical education teacher leaders and Maine DOE specialists.

Event Details: 

Burton Cross Building, Augusta
Wednesday, September 25th, and Thursday, September 26th
8:00 am – 3:00 pm each day
The fee for this training is only $50 (the fee assists with the cost of food). The Maine DOE covers all other expenses.

Register here. 

Financial Assistance: There are five-$150 scholarships available to help with substitute pay, mileage, and lodging to support attendance.  The form to apply for a scholarship is here.

Email susan.berry@maine.gov or carolyn.gross@maine.gov with questions and/or before registering if using a PO for payment.

RSU 87 Superintendent Describes How His District Trains and Prepares for Emergencies

Mark Turner is the superintendent of RSU 87, which serves the communities of Carmel and Levant, Maine. What he loves most about his job is the time he gets to spend in schools. As a busy district administrator, interacting with staff and students each day is so important because he gets to see the important work they do firsthand.

Along with the many responsibilities that come with being superintendent, Turner shared that it was his concerns about emergency procedures and the district’s ability to deal with struggling students that led him to the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine School Safety Center.

Turner is one of many Maine school administrators who have taken the School Safety Specialist course offered by the Maine DOE’s Maine Schools Safety Center (MSSC). The 8-week course is provided asynchronously through Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and helps fulfill State statute Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §1001, sub-§16, which states there must be a “designated employee having oversight regarding school safety.”

“We decided administratively to take part in the CSTAG training model, and I decided to take the School Safety Specialist training to better prepare to lead in an emergency,” said Turner. “The training certainly helped me to better see the big picture and update our safety protocols.”

CSTAG stands for Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines, and it is a comprehensive approach to early identification of students who may be on the pathway to violence by assessing problem behavior and offering interventions before the behavior escalates. CSTAG training is part of the Maine School Safety Center’s larger Maine Safe Schools Initiative.

As part of the CSTAG training, Turner learned about and introduced behavioral threat assessments to RSU 87 teachers and staff members.

“The behavior threat assessments we now use have truly helped us to respond to threats, support victims and aggressors, and create a safer school environment,” explained Turner.

Since Turner took the Safety Specialist training, RSU 87 has also updated its response protocol to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) model and started a “see something/say something” campaign at its middle schools.

In keeping the RSU 87 school community up to date on these new protocols, the admin team was recently describing their process to a concerned parent when she remarked, “I’m so glad that you guys are so prepared to deal with these situations, I had no idea!”

Turner adds that they also plan to continue using the CSTAG model for behavior threat assessments going forward. He extends a big thank you to the Maine DOE’s Maine School Safety Center for being remarkably supportive throughout these trainings.

The School Safety Specialist course is a program of the Maine DOE’s Maine School Safety Center and is available at no cost to Maine schools. Cohorts start at the beginning of every month and complete in 8 weeks. All work is done asynchronously through Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and takes approximately 20-25 hours to complete.

For more information, visit the Maine DOE website, fill out an interest form, or reach out to Maine DOE School Safety Training Coordinator Wendy Robichaud at Wendy.Robichaud@maine.gov.