Creating standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEP) was the first step; implementing those plans is next.
Continue reading “SAUs invited to apply for coaching and evidence-based practice PD”
Creating standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEP) was the first step; implementing those plans is next.
Continue reading “SAUs invited to apply for coaching and evidence-based practice PD”
The Maine DOE is encouraging schools to participate in an upcoming pilot of the State’s alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Continue reading “Pilot participation, training offered on alternate assessment”
Maine’s population of English Learners (ELs) continues to increase. The Maine DOE offers the following EL guidance and resources to support districts in effectively serving these students:
Continue reading “Maine DOE offers resources to support English Learners”
Members of Maine’s Digital Library State Network of Educators were among 80 educators from the Smarter Balanced participating states that convened July 14-17 for a marathon work session to review and evaluate resources submitted to the Digital Library. Marilyn Joyce of Brewer and Sandra Cookson of RSU 87 along with Maine DOE specialist Morgan Dunton were on hand as the Digital Library count passed 1,000 items and kept climbing.
The Corporation for National and Community Service is sharing free lesson plans focused on teaching 9/11 to children to bring the message of service and remembrance into the classroom. The plans are created by 9/11 Day, the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement, and provide teacher-inspired ideas for projects and activities for students.
In response to requests, the Department is offering a webinar titled Proficiency-Based Diplomas: Extension or Confirmation on the morning of September 5 from 9-10:00.
Continue reading “Maine DOE hosts webinar on proficiency-based diplomas readiness”
As educators across the state know, the last two years have been abundant with conversation, revision and activity related to developing and implementing Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) systems so that all students have access to effective teachers and principals.
Safely and effectively managing student behavior in class can be a challenge.
A recently-adopted rule regarding the use of restraint or seclusion in schools (Department of Education Rule Chapter 33) limits the use of restraint or seclusion to manage behavior to situations in which the health or safety of a student or others is at risk, and other less intrusive methods have failed to alleviate the risk or have been deemed inappropriate.
Continue reading “Student behavior management and update on restraint and seclusion rules”
The following Priority Notice was distributed to superintendents on Tuesday, August 19.
Dear Superintendents,
As part of ongoing efforts to support school administrative units in ensuring that teachers are led by highly effective building administrators, I am pleased to announce the release of the Maine DOE Principal Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) Model.
The Department has adopted as a State Principal PEPG Model the Administrator Evaluation Framework, which was prepared by the Auburn School Department in collaboration with the Department and the Maine Principals’ Association.
The following Priority Notice was distributed to superintendents on Tuesday, August 19.
Dear Superintendents,
Ensuring the safety of our students is a commitment we all share and by providing supportive places to learn and thrive, we are doing our part to help our young people reach their full potential.
That is why today, I am pleased to announce the release of an online training video and toolkit, Suicide Prevention Awareness for Maine School Personnel, prepared by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine and available at no cost to Maine schools. This important resource aids school districts in complying with Maine’s school-based suicide awareness and prevention law (LD 609, PL 53, DOE Rule Chapter 38) that was passed in April 2013.
Continue reading “Educator resources for suicide awareness and prevention”