Maine DOE Update – September 13, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reminder to Superintendents: Updating of District Assessment Coordinators (DAC) in NEO

As a reminder to superintendents, Maine DOE is currently in the process of releasing and reviewing assessment results from the 2017-2018 MEA test administration. We will soon transition into sharing information about the upcoming 2018-19 test administration. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Administrative Letter: Annual Notification of Eligibility for Schoolwide Programs that Include Students with Disabilities

Schools that receive federal Title I funds, have poverty rates of at least 40 percent and have approved Title IA Schoolwide Plans are eligible to use their Title I funds – and funds from other sources – to develop “schoolwide programs.” | More

Updated Special Education Forms

Several of the Maine DOE Special Education forms have been updated and an optional referral form for special education services has been developed. All vendors have been notified of the changes. A complete list of the forms is available at the bottom of this notice. Below are the detailed changes to the forms. | More

State Special Education Determination

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to develop a state performance plan/annual performance report (SPP/APR) that evaluates the state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of Part B (ages 3 through 20) and Part C (birth to 3) of the IDEA and describes how the state will improve its implementation. | More

School Safety and Security Bulletin: If You See Something, Say Something

Throughout the 2018- 2019 school year, the Maine Department of Education along with multiple other emergency management agencies will provide tips and resource information to Maine schools. | More

Seeking School Highlights for School Report Cards

The Maine Department of Education is requesting the assistance of school principals in the development of the new 2017-2018 School Report Cards that will be publically released later this year as part of the rollout of Maine’s Model of School Support and the Every Student Succeeds Act | More

Schools Participating in the Maine CDC – School Oral Health Program

The Maine Center for Disease Control – School Oral Health Program (SOHP) has been a part of many school’s programs since the 1980’s. The program started with a weekly fluoride mouth rinse and dental sealants to second graders and classroom education. | More

Health Update: Mosquito-Borne Illnesses and Schools

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Attendance Matters: Connecting for Student Success Regional Meetings

Attendance Matters: The Fall Connecting for Student Success regional meetings sponsored by Maine Department of Education and Count ME In are happening statewide. You can attend a regional meeting that is convenient for you. | More

Interactive Workshop on the Legal Rights of English Learners

All educators are invited to attend this workshop which will provide participants with information regarding the legal responsibilities of schools serving English learners. Districts receiving federal funds under Title I and/or Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) are strongly encouraged to participate in this workshop, as it will clarify the core requirements for English learner programming that must be met before supplemental federal funds may be utilized. | More

2018 STEM Education Innovation Challenge Grant Competition for K-12 Educators

The Maine STEM Collaborative has announced the 2018 STEM Education Innovation Challenge Grant Competition to provide K-12 educators the opportunity to try out highly innovative ideas in STEM teaching and learning. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – September 6, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

National Board Certified Teacher Salary Supplement Request due October 15, 2018

Superintendents of a school administrative unit or the director of a publicly-supported secondary school or Career and Technical Education (CTE) region, with eligible staff who have attained National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification prior to July 1, 2018, must submit to the Maine Department of Education (DOE) the list of those eligible to receive the salary supplement for the 2018-19 school year by October 15, 2018. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

ESSA Implementation and Report Card Release #success4ME

During the fall of 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will begin implementation of ESSA including the rollout of Maine’s Model of School Supports and the public release of the Maine’s School Report Cards. | More

National Board Certified Teacher Scholarship Funds Available

State law, 20-A MRSA Section 13013-A subsection 5 & 6; as amended by PL 2012 c. 702, established the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund to encourage teachers to apply to and enroll in the certification program offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or its successor organization. | More

Helpdesk Ticketing and Immediate Communication Procedures

Due to recent Data Team staff departures, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Helpdesk currently has only one fulltime dedicated staff member, with augmented assistance from other members of the Data Team. While the Department is in the process of hiring additional staff, we ask that communications to the Helpdesk be submitted via email| More

NAEP Assessment Positions Available

Westat is recruiting for the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as NAEP or The Nation’s Report Card, for the National Center for Education Statistics, which is part of the U.S. Department of Education. | More

2018-19 Gifted and Talented SAU Program Application Forms Available

The 2018-19 Gifted and Talented SAU Program Application forms are now available. All applications are due by September 30, 2018 | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Assessment Professional Development and Learning

During the month of July, Department staff engaged in the review of submitted Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)/SAU Consolidated Plans. All submitted plans have been reviewed and the Department continues final synthesis of review notes and team meetings in order to provide meaningful feedback to districts. | More

Gifted and Talented Workshops Available on September 12th and 14th

As a reminder to gifted and talented (GT) educators, the Maine Department of Education will sponsor two mentoring workshops for new and experienced gifted and talented educators. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – August 30, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Beginning of School Year Checklist for Completing Reports

The following checklist is designed to assist districts with publicly funded students in completing required reporting. | More

Graduation Reporting Due by September 15, 2018

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Administrative Letter: New Requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

On April 14, 2018 in Administrative Letter #13, the Maine Department of Education announced new requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEP) beginning on May 1, 2018. The purpose of the new requirements was to appropriately document certain services that are both educationally and medically necessary in accordance with both IDEA and Section 65 and Section 28 of the MaineCare Benefits Manual. | More

Maine DOE Welcomes Students, Educators, and Staff Back to School

The Maine Department of Education would like to welcome students, educators, and staff back to school as they fill the halls, classrooms and campuses over the coming weeks. | More

State Finalists Announced for 2019 Maine Teacher of the Year

Three Maine teachers have been announced as State finalists for the 2019 Maine Teacher of the Year. The finalists were chosen from the 2018 Maine County Teachers of the Year honored earlier this year. | More

Further Certification Updates: Increase in Processing Times, and Temporary Change in Call Hours

The Certification team would like to thank the education field for their assistance in helping to reduce phone calls to the office. The reduction in calls over the past week has allowed the team to input substantially more applications into the system as well as processing applications currently in the system. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – August 23, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Graduation Reporting Due by September 15, 2018

The Graduation Module has opened in NEO so that School Administrative Unit staff can start entering graduation data. This module is used to calculate the graduation rates for the 2017/18 school year. It will also be used, in part, to determine supports for Maine public high schools as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). To further assist districts as they manage required reporting, the Department will soon be releasing a comprehensive beginning of the school year checklist for completing required reports. | More

Reminder of 2019 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS)

This notice is a reminder that the sixth cycle for the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) will be administered in February, 2019. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Certification Updates

Please help share the following notice with all Maine educators. The Maine Department of Education has now received 10,000 renewal applications since releasing the new online certification system, Maine Educator Information System (MEIS), to educators in June. There are currently 3,000 of those applications in queue, with an approximate eight-week processing time. Approximately 70% of all Maine educators needing renewal have now applied. For those that have applied for renewal, it is important to note the following renewal procedure as outlined in Chapter 115 Part 1: | More

School Bus Refurbishment Update

Maine Military Authority (MMA) has completed its work for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority contract. As part of the process of winding down operations, MMA will no longer be able to contract for school bus refurbishment and has reached out to school districts to inform them of the changes in their operations. | More

New Video Available to Assist with English Learner Identification

A new video is now available to help train staff who assist families in enrolling in school. As part of the English learner identification process, the parent/guardian of every student enrolling in an SAU for the first time completes a Language Use Survey.| More

Child Sexual Abuse Implementation Support Materials Now Available

As part of a collaborative effort of the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA), resources have been developed to support school systems in the implementation of the child sexual abuse prevention and response law, L.D. 1180 – An Act To Require Education in Public Preschool Programs and Elementary. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals and Training Opportunities

As a reminder, the Federal School Food Service Professional Standards took effect July 1, 2015 and impacts the hiring process for new School Food Service Directors or staff members that are responsible for food service director duties and were hired after July 1, 2015. | More

Registration for Student Learning Objectives Training Now Open

The Maine Department of Education is once again proud to offer Student Learning Objective (SLO) training to school administrative units (SAUs) to help support the development and refinement of Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) systems. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – August 16, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Student Health Data Needed for Nationwide Initiative

This notice is to inform all school administrators, school nurses and related staff of a new effort to collect and submit de-identified student health data to a nationwide initiative of National Association of School Nurses (NASN) entitled Every Student Counts™. The goals of Every Student Counts™ are to develop a robust national school health data set that will influence local, state, and national student health policy, as well as identify best practices in school health | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Certification Updates

Maine DOE Update – August 9, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

The State of Maine announces the first round of competitive funding under the VW Environmental Mitigation Settlement Funds

Some public and private schools may have school buses eligible for Maine’s Volkswagen (VW) settlement allocation. The U.S. District Court in Northern California approved a partial consent decree to settle allegations that VW had installed defective devices on 2.0 and 3.0-liter diesel vehicles sold or leased in the United States. Maine’s VW settlement allocation totals just over $21 million dollars. | More

Integrated Pest Management Requirements

Encounters with rodents, hornets, bats, poisonous plants and other pests can threaten the health and safety of students, staff and visitors on school properties. However, pesticides can also pose a risk and the use of these chemicals in Maine is strictly regulated. All public and private schools serving any grades kindergarten through 12 are required under state law to adopt and implement an integrated pest management (IPM) policy to reduce potential risks of exposure to pests and pesticides. | More

Maine DOE Initiates Electronic Registration System

In an effort to control cost and improve services, the Maine DOE is now using the standard electronic event registration system. Like many organizations that require electronic registration for professional development opportunities and meetings, the Maine DOE system requires payment at the time of registration. Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are all accepted forms of payment. Links to registration will now appear on invitations to participate.| More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Reminder: Computer Science Day is Monday, August 13th

Please plan to join us in Augusta for Computer Science Day at the State House and Maine State Library on August 13th from 9am to 4pm. All ages are welcome! Note that educators can earn up to seven contact hours. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 2, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Annual Audit Requirements

Pursuant to Title 20-A MRSA 6051 §4, statements of assurance and Maine Education Financial System reconciliations are due to the Department by November 1, 2018. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Anticipated Timeline for Release of Maine Education Assessment (MEA) Results

The anticipated date for providing confidential Maine Education Assessment (MEA) results to districts for review is October 8, 2018. | More

Maine Schools/School Approval FAQs Now Available

The Maine Department Education has posted a Maine Schools/School Approval FAQs document on the Maine DOE Public School Approval webpage to addresses questions about public school approval 2018-2019 and further assist schools in the approval process for 2018-2019. | More

Clarification of the Process for Addressing Complaints of Discrimination

The Maine Department of Education would like to clarify the process for addressing complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

IBPA Bullying Prevention Through SEL and Kindness Summit – August 17 in Augusta

The International Bullying Prevention Association (IBPA) is partnering with the Maine Department of Education to provide a one-day summit to address bullying prevention through social and emotional learning and kindness. | More

Understanding Maine DOE Data: A Workshop for School and District Leaders

Are you a school or district leader that wonders why the Department collects certain data sets and what they are used for? Get the answer to this question and more by attending a workshops led by Paula Gravelle of School Finance and Charlotte Ellis of the Data Team. These are targeted sessions for school and district leaders, they will be about data use and policy, not data entry. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – July 26, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Special Statement about Proficiency Based Diplomas (L.D. 1666)

Following the passage of L.D. 1666: An Act To Ensure the Successful Implementation of Proficiency-based Diplomas, the Department is in the process of conducting a legal review to understand the changes that come with the passage of L.D. 1666, and will be working to determine how best to support schools going forward. | More

Maine DOE Legislative Summary Available

The Maine Department of Education has prepared a summary of major laws related to education enacted by the Second Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature. This information may prove helpful to educators when planning for the 2018-9 school year. | More

Further Work Permit Application Revisions

The Maine Department of Labor’s (MDOL) State of Maine Work Permit application has been revised as of 07/19/18. This additional change, since the most recent update about the work permit process, was necessary in order to protect certain Personally Identifiable Information (PII). In addition to this change, a second document must now be submitted along with the Work Permit. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Schedule for Computer Science Day Now Available

Please plan to join us in Augusta for Computer Science Day at the Capital on August 13^th from 9am to 4pm, hosted by Maine DOE, the Maine State Library, Project Login, and Maine Math and Science Alliance. Students, educators and businesses can all benefit from exploring how computer science skills can be learned in formal and informal learning settings, and how those skills can be applied in current and future jobs in Maine. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – July 19, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Important Update About NEO Accountability Report and Certification

This year the Department launched the NEO Accountability Report and Certification reports which were created to assist with data reporting for assessment and accountability. These reports were meant to be used by districts and schools ahead of time to validate data for students who need to be assessed, allowing for a clean data set to be sent to for assessment and accountability reporting, and no cleanup and validation necessary in the fall. | More

Administrative Letter: 2018-2019 Maine Schools/Public School Approval Now Open

In accordance with 20-A M.R.S. Chapter 206 and Maine Department of Education (DOE) Rule Chapter 125, to maintain continued approval status for the school administrative unit and all schools within it, the superintendent shall submit timely completed annual school reports to the Commissioner, including the annual approval report for the unit and for each school in the unit certifying progress on the Comprehensive Education Plan. | More

Administrative Letter: 2018-2019 Private School Approval, NEO Maine Schools, and Staff Now Open

In accordance with 20-A M.R.S. Chapter 117, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) requires private schools seeking approval status to be approved annually.

Private schools seeking approval status must enter required organization and staff information into the NEO information system and submit their annual school approval report. Related documentation should be submitted to Maine DOE’s School Enrollment/Approval Specialist, either electronically or by mail. The NEO requirements need not be completed prior to the submission of the annual report; however, school approval will not be issued until the NEO information is complete and verified. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

2018-19 Enacted ED279 Subsidy Printouts Now Available

FY 2018-2019 ED 279 subsidy printouts are now available on the Maine Department of Education website. | More

ESEA Federal Fund Manual Extension Changes

The Maine Department of Education’s ESEA Federal Programs Team is providing an update regarding the requesting of manual extensions for ESEA Federal funds. | More

McKinney-Vento Sub-grant Program for the Education of Homeless Children Now Available

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce that it is seeking proposals for the McKinney-Vento Sub-grant program for the education of homeless children and youth. Proposals will be accepted from SAUs seeking to develop, implement, or expand programs that improve the academic success of students identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. | More

Maine DOE Announces Award for Management of Assistive Technology

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce that Maine CITE Coordinating Center has been awarded a grant to provide management of assistive technology (AT) services under the federal Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (ATA). | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Understanding Maine DOE Data: A Workshop for School and District Leaders

New School Nurse Orientation Registration

If you hired a new nurse for your school over the summer be sure to encourage them to attend the New School Nurse Orientation, a specialized program designed to help nurses transition into the educational setting. | More

Register Now for Computer Science Day on August 13

The Maine Department of Education, Maine State Library, Project Login, and Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance are partnering to host Computer Science Day this summer. We’ll explore how computer science skills can be learned in formal and informal learning settings, and how those skills can be applied in current and future jobs in Maine. We hope to create more connections, partnerships, collaboration, and access to resources between educators, students, non-profits and businesses.| More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – July 12, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Updates and FAQs Regarding New Online Certification System

The Department’s certification team is fielding more than 500 calls a day and wait times can be significant. Many of the questions asked via phone have been addressed in the “Things to Know/Frequently Asked Questions” below in this notification. In addition to the FAQ, please be sure to use the resources available on the Certification Webpage to help reduce the amount of calls for both wait time purposes and to enable the team to process additional applications. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Regionalization Grant Opportunity Now Available – Fund for the Efficient Delivery of Educational Services (FEDES)

The State of Maine is seeking proposals for a grant opportunity through the Fund for the Efficient Delivery of Educational Services to assist in financing the cost of local and regional initiatives to improve educational opportunity and student achievement through more efficient delivery of educational programs and services. | More

Updates on the RFP for the Fund for the Efficient Delivery of Educational Services (FEDES)

Last week the State of Maine issued RFP#201806118, which offers a grant funding opportunity through the Fund for the Efficient Delivery of Educational Services (FEDES). An amendment to the RFP was posted on the State of Maine Division of Procurement Services website that includes additional requirements regarding applicant eligibility for subsequent grants under FEDES in accordance with Maine DOE Rule Chapter 122, Section 6, 2. | More

Important Work Permit Process Updates

In an effort to best protect data considered Personally Identifiable Information (PII), the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Bureau of Labor Standards is making slight adjustments to the work permit process effective immediately.| More

Maine DOE Helpdesk to Implement Ticketing System

In an effort to better serve Maine districts and schools, the Maine Department of Education’s Data Helpdesk is implementing a ticketing system. | More

Commissioner’s Conference Highlights and Feedback Survey

On June 27th and 28th the Maine Department of Education held the 107th Commissioners Conference at the Augusta Civic Center. District administrators and stakeholders state-wide attended to participate in and attend sessions on a range of topics including Career and Technical Education, Student Behavior and Student Health, Educator Workforce, Certification, Regionalization, ESSA and School Improvement, Priorities and Goals of the Department and more. | More

More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine DOE Data Management Systems Summer Training

Maine Department of Education is holding their annual summer training. The training focus this year will be on tips and resources to assist districts with their data reporting and viewing/certifying their reports. This has been a challenging year for those in the field as well as the Department with a new Student Information System, Synergy, and several new data reporting requirements. Our session this year will be focused on sharing resources to assist districts with the data tasks required. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |