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.

The lab will be held on Wednesday, March 5 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Computer Classroom at the Fogler Library on UMaine’s Orono campus. Anyone interested in talking about any kind of historical research, local resources and current developments in historical scholarship (whether local, regional, national or global) is welcome to attend. Continue reading “Drop-in history lab supports National History Day prep” →

K-12 should take note of higher ed’s voluntary move to proficiency-based system

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s (UMPI) exciting announcement they would be moving to a proficiency-based system beginning next fall.

Perhaps nothing puts students first more than proficiency-based education. As many of you know, this model is built around the reality that while students learn in different ways and speeds, proficiency is ultimately the most critical outcome of their schooling. Continue reading “K-12 should take note of higher ed’s voluntary move to proficiency-based system” →

UMPI launches proficiency-based education initiative

BANGOR—The University of Maine at Presque Isle was joined by several top Maine education officials during a Feb. 13 press conference in Bangor to announce its transition to proficiency-based education, a move that makes UMPI the first university in Maine and one of the first in the nation to deliver this type of interactive learning. Proficiency-based education encourages deeper learning and greater engagement by providing more hands-on activities, giving students choices in selecting assignments, and having them demonstrate proficiency in a subject area before moving along to the next concept. Continue reading “UMPI launches proficiency-based education initiative” →

Literacy for ME releases community literacy resources

The Maine DOE has developed new informational brochures and videos designed to help community literacy teams across the state educate parents and the public about literacy development and empower them with simple ways in which they can support literacy education. Continue reading “Literacy for ME releases community literacy resources” →

Colleges commit to accepting proficiency-based diploma

A frequently asked question relating to Maine’s move to a proficiency-based diploma by 2018 is “Will colleges and universities accept proficiency-based transcripts?”

Continue reading “Colleges commit to accepting proficiency-based diploma” →

UMaine offers study to students underrepresented in STEM fields

A new three-year project at the University of Maine will empower female and minority high school students, their teachers and communities to create innovative solutions to the environmental problems related to stormwater management.

Continue reading “UMaine offers study to students underrepresented in STEM fields” →

University of Maine partners with Thornton Academy to enhance STEM education

SACO – University of Maine College of Engineering’s Dean Dana Humphrey recently announced that the University had agreed to a first-in-the-state partnership with the Saco-based Thornton Academy.

Continue reading “University of Maine partners with Thornton Academy to enhance STEM education” →

UNE scholarships available for future STEM students

The University of New England (UNE) is seeking Maine students for Scholarships in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (SSTEM), an initiative funded by the National Science Foundation.

Continue reading “UNE scholarships available for future STEM students” →

County students to benefit from Aroostook Aspirations Initiative

Thanks to the Fiddlehead Focus for sharing this information with the Maine DOE for publication.

AROOSTOOK COUNTY – A first-of-its-kind, County-wide project will provide significant opportunities for young people in the region to pursue their dreams, and, in turn, support higher education institutions and bolster economic development efforts in northern Maine.

Continue reading “County students to benefit from Aroostook Aspirations Initiative” →