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”
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is conducting a series of free web seminars in the coming months with the focus of each webinar on a different grade level. The design of these 90 minute webinars is to deepen teacher understanding of how the three dimensions of the Framework (practices, core ideas and crosscutting concepts) are intended to be blended in classroom instruction. Expectations at each grade level will be examined along with the presentation of sample of teaching and learning. All webinars run from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Continue reading “Free webinars on science standards scheduled”
In 2015-2016, ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, a computerized assessment, will replace the current paper-based version of ACCESS for ELLs for Grades 1-12. The paper-based assessment will continue to be available as an accommodation and for districts that do not have the technology to administer the assessment online. Kindergarten is not included in the changes and will remain an interactive, paper-based kit for the near future.
The Maine DOE is recruiting schools to serve as field testing sites to administer the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Science Inquiry Tasks in grades 5, 8 and 11. The field tests give students the opportunity to engage with science content in non-traditional assessments and students are asked to provide feedback about their experience.
Continue reading “Invitation to participate in NECAP science inquiry task field test”
The Maine Council of English Language Arts (MCELA) with support from the Maine DOE is inviting educators to attend an evening of collegial discussion and a light dinner to learn about formative assessment with an introduction to the Smarter Balanced digital library. Aligned with comprehensive assessments that provide more information about student learning and achievement than previous tests, the library will give educators high-quality, vetted tools to tailor instruction to individual student and classroom needs. Educators will also be able to submit resources and engage in online discussions to share information and learn from colleagues in Maine and across the country.
Continue reading “Dine and Discuss to focus on formative assessment, digital library”
The Maine DOE is encouraging educators and other interested parties to apply for the John T. Gorman Foundation’s new leadership development program in Maine announced this past June.
Continue reading “John T. Gorman Foundation leadership development program call for applicants”
Thanks to a generous grant from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the Maine DOE is holding a one-day institute, “From Preschool to Kindergarten-Connecting the Language & Literacy Standards” at Thomas College on Friday, Oct. 3.
Continue reading “Maine DOE offers institute on early childhood learning standards”
Four observances and recognition days that provide important civic learning opportunities occur in September, one of them required by federal law. They include:
Continue reading “Civic observances for Maine schools in September”
Effective writing requires not only knowledge of writing modes and mechanics, but also strong understanding of content. Last month, 175 educators from across the state assembled at Thomas College to learn about the Vermont Writing Collaborative’s method of building deep content understanding through effective writing practices.
Continue reading “Maine educators convene to learn effective writing practices”
Congratulations on the start of the 2014-15 school year!
This week, Maine students are fortunate to be heading back to schools where they will be welcomed by educators who encourage their love of learning and are deeply dedicated to ensuring every one of them is successful.
On behalf of Governor LePage and all of us at the Department, I want to thank those teachers, administrators and other school staff for their care for and commitment to our students. Maine kids are increasingly being inspired in their classrooms and achievement in their studies is rising as a result, putting them on a path for future college and career success.
Continue reading “2014-15 school year: We’re in this together”
Maine DOE Newsroom 