Maine DOE Update – April 5, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Priority Notices

PRIORITY NOTICE: Maine Department of Education’s proposal for the high school diploma

Reporting Items

Maine Education Financial System to update identification numbers for uploads

The Maine Education Financial System will be moving from MEDMS IDs to ORG IDs on July 1, 2018. Over the past few years the Maine Department of Education data collection systems have been migrating towards using ORG IDs to identify School Administrative Units, and other organizations, in their data collection systems. | More

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News & Updates

Maine DOE to host Farm to School Cook-off on April 5th and 9th

The Maine Department of Education will host its Annual Maine Farm to School Cook-Off, a voluntary, skills-based competition offered to school food service staff from all school districts across the State of Maine. The goal of the program is to recognize school nutrition staff for their skills and creativity while producing high-quality meals that can be replicated in a school kitchen. | More

15th Annual MLTI Student Conference

Registration is open for the 2018 MLTI Student Conference, taking place on Thursday, May 24^th at the University of Maine campus in Orono. | More

Districts are encouraged to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child

The Maine Department of Education is encouraging local school districts and the greater education community to celebrate the Month of the Military Child in April this year by participating in any of the following ways.| More

Input sought for teacher shortage areas

As part of a federal requirement, the Maine Department of Education will submit to the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) the Maine teacher shortage areas for designation for the 2018-19 school year. | More

Department provides further guidance on repeal of Chapter 82 (School Bus Driver Fitness Determination)

In response to inquiries from the field, the Maine Department of Education is providing answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the repeal of Code of Maine Regulations (05-071 CMR Chap. 82) School Bus Driver Fitness Determination. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 29, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Preparation for April Attending Student Report

The Maine Department of Education (MDOE) is in the process of preparing an April Attending Student Report for the purpose of calculating tuition rates. In preparation for this report, it is vital that each school administrative unit (SAU) keeps their attendance data accurate as well as complete. | More

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News & Updates

eMPowerME Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment Item Review Committee Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently recruiting educators to serve on item review panels for the eMPowerME Assessment in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The work will be facilitated by Measured Progress on June 19-21, 2018 in Portland, Maine. | More

Repeal of Chapter 82 School Bus Driver Fitness Determination

The enacted repeal of Code of Maine Regulations 05-071 Chapter 82 School Bus Driver Fitness Determination became effective on March 25, 2018. | More

Supports for Advanced Placement and College Board assessments

As part of a notification provided in September 2015, the Maine Department of Education provided guidance regarding the removal of supports provided for some assessments administered by the College Board. | More

Edward Little High School teacher selected for Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Program

High School teacher Erin Towns from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine has been selected as one of this year’s Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows in recognition of her commitment to geographic education. | More

Date set for presentation of Major Capital Improvement Program priority list

The scoring process for the Major Capital Improvement Program is close to completion for the 75 schools visited during the Fall of 2017. A Proposed Priority List will be presented to the State Board of Education at its June 13, 2018 meeting. The acceptance of that list will initiate a 30 day appeal period. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

ESEA Federal Programs to provide May sessions for program updates and technical assistance

As a result of feedback received from ESEA Coordinators and Title I Directors, the Maine Department of Education’s Federal Programs team will be providing updates and technical assistance at the following sessions scheduled at locations across the State during the month of May. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 22, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

MaineCare Seed adjustments to be made, review Q218 reports by April 13, 2018

The recovery of Q218 MaineCare Seed will occur in the April 2018 subsidy payment and the Maine DOE is asking Districts to review their reports to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy. SAU staff must review student by student claims on both the public and private MaineCare reports for Q218 by April 13, 2018. | More

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News & Updates

Reminder and updated guidance for rescheduling and requesting waivers for storm days

Once again, the winter has resulted in an increased amount of snow storms causing schools to close to avoid dangerous weather conditions. Winter storm closures coupled with the wind storm that occurred earlier in the school year and resulted in power outages across Maine, has caused school administrative units to exceed the number of storm days that were originally planned for in the school calendar. | More

Nominations sought for the 2018 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year

The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association is accepting nominations for the 2018 Curriculum Leader of the Year until April 27, 2018. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

School Nurse Day is May 8, 2018; Maine DOE offers professional development and celebration

Let’s recognize the contributions to student health and learning that school nurses make every day! Students across Maine and the country are able to fully access their education because of the interventions and actions performed by school nurses every day. | More

Preschool & Kindergarten Assessment opportunity using Teaching Strategies Gold©

The Maine Department of Education will be supporting a cohort of public preschool & kindergarten teachers for the 2018-19 school year using Teaching Strategies Gold©, an online and authentic formative assessment tool that aligns to Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards for PreK and Maine’s College and Career Ready Standards for kindergarten. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 15, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

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News & Updates

Save the date: 2018 Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents

The 107th Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents will be held Wednesday, June 27th through Thursday, June 28th at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

Maine DOE begins math achievement pilot program in 6 Maine elementary schools

The Maine Department of Education is embarking on a new initiative called the Numeracy4ME K-4 Mathematics Pilot program. The project is designed to improve the mathematics achievement of students in kindergarten through grade four in 6 pilot schools: Academy Hill, Cherryfield Elementary School, Cornville Charter School, G.D. Cushing School, Indian Township School, and Milbridge Elementary School. | More

Technology Plan Update

Technology plans are designed to help educators and school leaders think about how they use technology and how to better leverage technology to improve student learning. The Learning through Technology team at the Department of Education manages the technology planning process and assists schools in learning to use technology more effectively. This communication sets forth guidance regarding technology plans that are due in the 2017-18 school year as well as plans that were due in prior years. | More

Template Letters for School and District Leaders to Notify Parents about State Assessments

Two parent notification letter templates have been updated for use by school and district leaders in 2018 to notify parents about state assessments: one letter template for the “general assessment” and one letter template for “alternate assessments.” These templates are available for your school or district to modify and customize with local information prior to being used to notify parents in your community about the upcoming state assessments. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Equitable Services Training for ESEA Coordinators and Private School Officials

The Maine Department of Education will host a workshop regarding Equitable Shares for Private Schools. This workshop is designed as guidance and technical support for all ESEA Coordinators and Private School Officials that receive funds for equitable services across the state. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 8, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Maine Education Assessments (MEA) Student Test Status Extended 3/16/18

The Department is extending the period to identify a student’s test type as “alternate” or “general” until March 16 in order to allow districts sufficient time to complete their updates. | More

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News & Updates

3/9 CNA/SAU Consolidated Plan technical assistance session rescheduled (re-registration needed)

Due to the impending snow storm scheduled to arrive late Wednesday, March 7 and expected to continue through the early hours of Friday, March 9, the Department has made the decision to cancel the CNA/SAU Consolidated Plan technical assistance session scheduled for 9 am on Friday, March 9, 2018. | More

Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services to children with disabilities, ages 3-20. | More

Seeking comments for proposed Rule Chapter 14: Education of Homeless Students

Rulemaking for Chapter 14: Education of the Homeless Students been filed as a proposed routine technical rule. A hearing date and comment period has been scheduled. | More

Seeking comments for proposed Rule Chapter 45: Rule for Vision and Hearing Screening in Maine Schools

Rulemaking for Chapter 45: Rule for Vision and Hearing Screening in Maine Schools been filed as a proposed routine technical rule. A hearing date and comment periods has been scheduled. | More

Seeking comments for proposed repeal of Rule Chapter 51: Child Nutrition Programs in Public Schools and Institutions – regulations already outlined in federal law

Rule Chapter 51: Child Nutrition Programs in Public Schools and Institutions has been filed to be repealed. The routine technical rule is not needed as the federal regulations articulate the responsibilities for the school administrative units to follow. | More

Proposed Rules for Chapters 115 and 180 (Credentialing and PEPG)

Revised Rule Chapter 115: The Credentialing of Educational Personnel and Rule Chapter 180: Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth Systems have been provisionally adopted and will go to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. | More

Seeking comments for proposed repeal of Rule Chapter 129: Rights and Responsibilities of Educators and Pupils

Rule Chapter 129: Rights and Responsibilities of Educators and Pupils has been filed to be repealed as the underlying statutory authority has been repealed. | More

Seeking comments for proposed repeal of Rule Chapter 250: School Approval for Non-Traditional Limited Purpose Schools

Rule Chapter 250: School Approval for Non-Traditional Limited Purpose Schools has been filed to be repealed as the underlying statutory authority has been repealed. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 1, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Priority Notices:

Reporting Items

EPS High-Cost Out-of-District Report (EF-S-214) open for reporting on March 1

The EF-S-214 will be open to Maine public schools on March 1 for data entry. School administrative unit staff responsible for completion of this report should complete the report in NEO as early as possible to allow time for certification by the special service director and the business manager. | More

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News & Updates

Early Start Maine Earns National Recognition for Infant and Early Childhood Intervention

Early Start Maine, a program funded by federal grants for special education administered through the Maine Department of Education, has received the national 2018 Exemplary Program Award for Infant and Early Childhood Intervention services by the American Council on Rural Special Education, the national organization devoted entirely to special education in rural America. | More

Updated guidance on local approval for regional service centers

The Department is issuing updated guidance on obtaining local approval for a regional service center (RSC). Previous guidance stated that each school administrative unit (SAU) member of an RSC must hold a referendum on their interlocal agreement; however, a recent review of applicable statutes provides that local practices and each SAU’s structure will determine the approval process for an RSC interlocal agreement. Specifically: | More

Reminder regarding student participation in post-secondary enrollment programs

Maine high school students are afforded the opportunity to participate in post-secondary programs under 20-A MRSA, Chapter 208-A. This statute details student eligibility requirements and proscribes the level of student participation as 6 credit hours per semester, not to exceed 12 credit hours per academic year. | More

Outstanding educators sought for Maine talent pool

The Maine Department of Education is accepting recommendations through April 27, 2018 for the 2018 Maine Educator Talent Pool. These distinguished educators may be considered for membership on local and state advisory boards and task forces, as well as be candidates for special recognition through the Department. | More

Discretionary medication administration in schools

Registered nurses working as school nurses are in a unique place. Although they are school employees working under the rules and regulations of the local school board and State of Maine Department of Education, they are also licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Board of Nursing and therefore must follow the Nurse Practice Act and its rules. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – February 15, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Guidance for reporting Quarter 3 attendance and truancy

Quarter 3 attendance information may now be uploaded into the Synergy Student Information System. The Department is providing some additional guidance for Quarter 3 reporting because student attendance data is now an accountability indicator in the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). | More

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News & Updates

Notice of proposed rule change to Chapter 82 School Bus Driver Fitness Determination

The Maine Department of Education is proposing to repeal Chapter 82 School Bus Driver Fitness Determination. Current motor vehicle laws provide substantial protections for public safety. | More

Governor LePage Recognizes School District Collaboration To Benefit Students

Governor Paul R. LePage has issued the following statement recognizing today’s State Board of Education vote to accept the scoring for the finalists for the Integrated, Consolidated 9–16 Educational Facility Pilot Project. | More

Peer reviewers sought for Maine’s 21st CCLC program

The Maine Department of Education is seeking qualified peer reviewers to read, assess, and score competitive grant proposals for the 21^st Century Community Leaning Centers (21^st CCLC) Program. | More

Maine DOE offers new resource to help local districts monitor student growth in reading

The Maine Department of Education (Department) will begin using a universal reading metric called The Lexile® Framework for Reading to help Maine school districts monitor student growth and progress. | More

Seeking special education mentors for MACM Program

Maine’s Alternative Certification and Mentoring (MACM) Program is seeking up to 50 practicing or recently retired special educators interested in mentoring conditionally certified first-year teachers for 2018-2019. Maine’s Alternative Certification and Mentoring program is a collaboration between Maine DOE and the UMaine System. | More

Mainers take on the Read to ME Challenge

After First Lady Ann LePage launched the Read to ME Challenge with second graders at Gilbert Elementary School in Augusta on February 1, it didn’t take long for others across the state to join in the campaign to promote awareness of the importance of reading regularly to and with children | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

MSAA Alternate Assessment Test Coordinator Training Webinar

As a reminder to District Assessment Coordinators, Test Coordinators providing assistance with the upcoming administration of the MEA alternate Assessment, MSAA are invited to attend a training this Friday, February 16 at 2:30pm. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – February 8, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Priority Notices:

Reporting Items

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News & Updates

Celebrating the growth and success of Career & Technical Education

When the U.S. Smith-Hughes Act was signed in 1917, establishing technical (or “vocational”) education in agriculture, few would have suspected the evolution of a much broader based Career and Technical Education (CTE) system across the country, including 12.5 million high school and college students in such subjects as agriculture, automotive technology, biotechnology, culinary arts, health occupations, and many others. | More

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education and Response Model Policy

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), as directed by Maine law Public Law 2015, Ch. 292 (LD 1180), An Act To Require Education in Public Preschool Programs and Elementary Schools Regarding Child Sexual Abuse, has developed a model policy for schools on child sexual abuse prevention education and response | More

Upcoming Summit focused on local foods for schools, hospitals, colleges and more

Maine Farm to Institution and the Maine Farm to School Network will be hosting the 2018 Maine Farm to Institution Summit in Belfast’s UMaine Hutchinson Center on February 9, from 7:30 am to 5 pm. This all-day event for those interested in cultivating an equitable and resilient Maine food system is open to everyone. | More

Title I schoolwide program eligibility waiver request now available

Section 1114(a)(1)(A) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires a Title I school to have at least 40% poverty to be eligible to operate a schoolwide program. Schoolwide flexibility allows a school to upgrade the entire educational program of a school. | More

Cybersecurity opportunity for young women in high school

There is still time to encourage young women in high school to participate in GirlsGoCyberStart’, national program created by CyberStart that uses online games of discovery to introduce high school students to the field of cybersecurity. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Opportunity to develop, pilot and implement an evidence-based preschool curriculum for Maine

The Maine Department of Education has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to adapt and develop an evidence-based preschool curriculum in collaboration with Boston Public Schools (BPS). Participating districts will work with the Maine DOE and a curriculum consultant from BPS to make this highly successful curriculum relevant to Maine’s students. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – February 1, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Priority Notices:

Reporting Items

2017-2018 ESEA Report Cards

The 2017-2018 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Report Cards are now publicly available in the Maine Assessment and Accountability Reporting System (MAARS). The 2017-2018 ESEA Report Cards present results from the 2016-2017 school year. | More

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News & Updates

Maine DOE and First Lady, Ann LePage kick off February ‘Read to ME Challenge’

Maine’s First Lady, Ann LePage launched the Read to ME Challenge today at the Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School in Augusta. Reading to second grade students at the Gilbert School, the First Lady shared two books, Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs and Baxter in the Blaine House, with her captive audience. | More

Maine’s School Counselors being recognized during National School Counseling Week in the Hall of Flags

National School Counseling Week is February 5-9, 2018 and Maine’s School Counselors are invited to attend a recognition on February 8^thin the Hall of Flags from 1:00-4:00pm. | More

ESSA and Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) Data

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be opening up nominations nationwide for youth from grades 8 to 11 to join the National Youth Preparedness Council. Nominations will be opened for six week starting in late January, early February. | More

FEMA opens nominations to recognize youth for their work in Emergency Preparedness

The MIYHS provides valuable data to school administrators and communities in assessing the health of their youth. With this data, action can be taken to further address specific needs and/or problems that Maine students are facing. | More

Maine DOE provides supplemental funding for facilitation and legal costs for regional service centers

The Department is committed to supporting Regional Service Center (RSC) applicants who have chosen to pursue the development of a durable and flexible partnership and interlocal agreement. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – January 25, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Priority Notices:

Reporting Items

SAT 3rd year high school student enrollment confirmation

As previously announced, the 3^rd year high school student enrollment (bulk registration) file for spring 2018 SAT assessment will be sent to Measured Progress/College Board on Friday, February 2, 2018. | More

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News & Updates

Free training, technical assistance, equipment and materials for public preschool programs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has received a grant from the US Education Department to support public preschool teachers, special educators, principals and special education directors on providing high quality classroom environments and inclusion practices for 4 year-olds. | More

Organizations needed to feed hungry children this summer

With the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maine public schools have long offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal program to thousands of income eligible children in Maine during the school year. To extend this program, the Child Nutrition team at the Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) is seeking organizations who would like to participate in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides children healthy meals when school is not in session. | More

New protocol for requesting a change in English Learner identification

If a student has been identified by a school in Maine as an English learner (EL) but a teacher, school administrator, parent/guardian, or the student himself/herself (over the age of 18) believes this identification to be incorrect, a request for change in identification may be made. | More

February is African American History Month

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society as part of African American History Month. | More

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