Maine DOE Update – September 15, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

2016 fall assessment workshops – MAARS & SAT reporting systems

Training for the Maine Assessment and Accountability Reporting System (MAARS – replacing iServices) and redesigned SAT are now scheduled and will be held in various locations (Portland, Waterville, Bangor, Lewiston, Presque Isle) during the week of October 31.

The morning sessions will be hosted by Maine DOE and FocalPointK12, and focus on all of Maine’s State assessments in the new reporting portal. The afternoon sessions will be hosted by the College Board and provide an overview of the SAT suite of assessments.

MAARS morning session – Who should register?

District Assessment Coordinator (DAC)
Data/IT personnel or other administrator who will be accessing assessment data
**Restricted to two representatives per district

SAT afternoon session – Who should register?

Curriculum Coordinators/Instructional Leaders, Directors of Guidance, and/or Data Professionals
Recommended audience of two representatives per district

Please see attached flyer for registration information.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20: Quarter 1), due Sept. 30 (Reminder)
School Revolving Renovation Fund Application, due Sept. 30 (Reminder)
Gifted & Talented Annual Program Approval, due Sept. 30 (Reminder)

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Individual student economic status information required by October 1 count for subsidy calculation

School Administrative Units (SAUs) are required to report individual student information for the purpose of State funding. | More

Maine DOE updates teacher mentoring materials for 2016-17

The Maine DOE is announcing the official release of the newly revised teacher mentoring materials for the 2016-17 school year. | More

Physical education requirements for children with disabilities

Under Maine’s system of learning results, each student is required to study and achieve proficiency in the eight content areas including physical education. | More

OSERS issues “Dear Colleague Letter” regarding positive behavior interventions and supports

On August 1, 2016, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) on the requirement that schools provide positive behavioral supports to students with disabilities when needed. | More

Integrated Pest Management helps schools develop healthier learning environments

Maine School IPM is dedicated to reducing risks of pests and pesticides in Maine schools. | More

District wellness policies required to be updated by June 30, 2017

School administrative units participating in federal child nutrition programs such as the USDA National School Lunch Program are required to have updated wellness policies. | More

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Request for Proposals: HIV Prevention Education
View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – September 8, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Districts asked to designate assessment coordinator

The following Priority Notice was distributed on Wednesday, Sept. 7 to superintendents requesting they identify a district assessment coordinator to coordinator and ensure a successful administration of the 2016-17 State assessments.

Dear Superintendents,

As we begin another school year, your district will again identify individuals in key roles in the NEO Staff System. On behalf of the assessment team, I am asking you to consider carefully your choice of the individual designated as the District Assessment Coordinator (DAC). While the DAC may not be directly responsible for all the details associated with the various assessments, the Maine DOE will count on this individual to be familiar with all State assessments in order to help address any issues that may occur.

The State assessments include:

eMPowerME (general assessment of mathematics and ELA/literacy in grades 3-8)
SAT (general assessment of mathematics and ELA/literacy at third year high school)
MSAA (alternate assessment of mathematics and ELA/literacy at grades 3-8 and third year high school)
MEA Science (general assessment of science at grades 5, 8, and third year high school)
PAAP (alternate assessment of science at grades 5, 8 and third year high school)
ACCESS for ELLs (general and alternate assessment of English language proficiency K-12)

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Leased Space Application, due Sept. 15 (Reminder)
Special Education Tuition & Board Report (EF-S-07), due Sept. 15 (Reminder)
School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20: Quarter 1), due Sept. 30 (Reminder)
School Revolving Renovation Fund Application, due Sept. 30 (Reminder)
Gifted & Talented Annual Program Approval, due Sept. 30 (Reminder)

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Revised model bullying and cyberbullying prevention policy and procedures

The model bullying and cyberbullying prevention policy, first adopted in 2013 as a result of An Act to Prohibit Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools (PL 659), has been revised. | More

Maine DOE has ended all open placement notifications (EF-S-01 forms) as of June 30

To ensure data quality Maine DOE has ended all open placement notifications (EF-S-01 forms) in the NEO data system as of June 30, 2016 and will continue to end notifications annually. | More

New procedures for audit and corrective action plan extensions

Maine DOE has implemented new procedures for audit and corrective action plan extensions for school administrative units and municipal school units.| More

Annual notification of eligibility for schoolwide programs

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

Maine DOE encourages arts educators to attend pre-conference during the Maine International Conference on the Arts

Maine DOE and the Maine Arts Commission invite visual and performing arts educators to attend a half-day workshop during the Maine International Conference on the Arts. | More

Transportation Safety and Training Annual Data Report (EFT-21) due date extension

The due date for the year-end Transportation Safety and Training Annual Data Report (EFT-21) has been extended to December 31, 2016. | More

Maine DOE conducts professional development for teams of educators from Title I priority and focus schools

The Maine DOE in collaboration with Syntiro, conducted August professional development for teams of educators from Title I priority and focus schools across the state. | More

Maine DOE provides complimentary 2016-17 law books to superintendents

The Maine DOE acquired enough copies of the Maine Education and School Statutes 2016-2017 Edition law to distribute one at no charge to each superintendent of schools in Maine. | More

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Maine DOE Update – September 1, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

2017 Teacher of the Year state finalists selected

The Maine DOE in partnership with Educate Maine, recently named three teachers as state finalists for Maine’s 2017 Teacher of the Year. They were chosen from this year’s County Teachers of the Year who were named in May at a celebration at the State House Hall of Flags.

The state finalists are:

Hancock: Becky Tapley, Brooklin Elementary School
Penobscot: Cherrie MacInnes, Brewer Community School
Somerset: Tammy Ranger, Skowhegan Area Middle School

The process going forward for the state finalists include personal interviews and a school site visit before the 2017 Maine Teacher of the Year is selected. Review panels during the selection process consist of past Teachers of the Year, school administrators, Department staff, members of professional education organizations and the business community. The 2017 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced at a surprise all-school assembly in October.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Leased Space Application, due Sept. 15 (Reminder)
Special Education Tuition & Board Report (EF-S-07), due Sept. 15 (Reminder)
School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20: Quarter 1), due Sept. 30
School Revolving Renovation Fund Application, due Sept. 30
Gifted & Talented Annual Program Approval, due Sept. 30
EPS October 1 Enrollment Reporting, due Oct. 31
Graduation Reporting, due Oct. 31
Staff Data Reporting 2016-17, due Oct. 31

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Update of Maine Schools form now overdue – Important Second Notice

The Update of Maine Schools form must be completed immediately. Public, 60% publicly funded, private, and CTE regions are all required to submit the form. | More

National Board Certified Teacher Salary Supplement due Oct. 15

The list of those eligible to receive the salary supplement for the 2016-17 school year is due to the Department by October 15. | More

National Board Certified Teacher Scholarship Funds available

A school administrative unit or a publicly supported secondary school or CTE region, may request scholarship funds on behalf of its teachers who meet the requirements.| More

Maine DOE invites arts teachers to participate in regional professional development series

All visual and performing arts teachers are invited to participate in a three-part, regional professional development series on assessment in the classroom. | More

Maine DOE and UMaine system to provide professional development for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

This fall the Maine DOE and three campuses from the University of Maine system will begin providing professional development and technical assistance. | More

English language teacher leaders attend ESL Summer Academy at UMaine

English learner educators from twenty-five school districts participated in the ESL Summer Academy at UMaine in Orono. | More

A reminder to be safe when sharing the road with school buses

It is crucial to follow the rules of the road to keep Maine children safe on their journey to and from school. | More

Maine STEM Summit and grant competition for educators

Maine DOE encourages educators to attend the upcoming Maine STEM Summit on Friday, Nov. 18 at Colby College in Waterville. | More

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Maine DOE Update – August 25, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Maine educators receive presidential recognition for excellence in math and science

Four Maine educators are among 213 mathematics and science teachers recognized by President Obama as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (PAEMST). The educators will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on September 8.

Awardees of the kindergarten through grade six cohort are Lauree Gott from Veazie Community School and Laura Stevens, second grade teacher at James Otis Kaler Elementary School in South Portland. Marielle Edgecomb from the Peninsula School in Prospect Harbor, and Cary James from Bangor High School are Maine’s awardees for the grade seven through twelve cohort.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country. Winners of this Presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Year-End Report of Special Purpose Private Schools (CARES) EF-S-10, due Aug. 31 (Reminder)
Leased Space Application, due Sept. 15 (Reminder)
Special Education Tuition & Board Report (EF-S-07), due Sept. 15 (Reminder)

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Maine DOE to distribute funds to support proficiency-based diploma transition

In September, the Maine DOE will distribute grants to support the transition to proficiency-based diplomas to school administrative units operating schools. | More

Update of Maine Schools form now overdue

The Update of Maine Schools form is now overdue. This electronic version replaced a paper form previously sent to school administrative units and private schools last year. | More

USDOE releases guidance on civil rights of students with ADHD

The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance clarifying the obligation of State and local educational agencies, including charter schools, to provide students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with equal educational opportunity. | More

Maine DOE launches new school transportation website

As Maine school districts prepare to open for the school year, staff will have access to a new school transportation website. | More

Putting Reading First in Maine videos now available online

The Putting Reading First in Maine instructional video collection, a key resource featuring reading instruction and assessment practices happening in Maine schools, is now available online. | More

MAITC seeking next Agricultural Teacher of the Year

Each year, Maine Agriculture in the Classroom recognizes an outstanding Maine elementary or secondary school teacher. | More

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Maine DOE Update – August 18, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Summer Literacy Institute draws nearly 400 educators

The Maine Department of Education’s English language arts/literacy team worked with educator groups across the K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade spans this month as they continue to develop proficiency systems in their schools. Educators explored high impact instructional routines and strategies that support students’ literacy learning and discussed methods of integrating these into their everyday teaching practices.

Understanding of Maine’s ELA/literacy standards was incorporated into the sessions which also examined collaborative conversation in the classroom as well as how to improve reading and writing skills.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Annual Budget Reporting, due Aug. 25
Year End Financial Reporting, due Aug. 25
Year-End Report of Special Purpose Private Schools (CARES) EF-S-10, due Aug. 31
Leased Space Application, due Sept. 15
Special Education Tuition & Board Report (EF-S-07), due Sept. 15

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Clarification of Commissioner’s Review of Superintendent Agreements

The Maine Department of Education is clarifying the Commissioner’s role regarding superintendent agreement transfers pursuant to 20-A MRS §5205(6)(B). | More

Notice of education-related laws in effect March, April

The following education–related laws enacted in March and April of this year pertain to school budgets, special education regulations, medication administration, charter schools and more. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes to Chapter 101: special education

The Maine Department of Education is proposing a refinement to two sections of Rule Chapter 101: Maine Unified Special Education Regulation Birth to Age Twenty. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes to Chapter 126/261: school children immunization requirements

The Maine Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention are proposing refinements to joint rule Chapters 126/261: Immunization Requirements for School Children. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes to Chapters 221, 229, 230: adult education

The Maine Department of Education is proposing refinements to three chapters related to adult education. | More

New proposed rule Chapter 41: offering instruction in schools related to CPR and the use of AEDs

The following information was shared in the last Maine DOE Update. Please note this is a proposed rule. | More

MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made

The 2016-17 subsidy checks for General Purpose Aid for local schools will reflect adjustments for MaineCare Seed payments paid by the Maine DOE on behalf of school administrative units (SAUs). | More

SAUs to stop annually filing EF-S-03 for certification, background check status

School administrative units will no longer file the EF-S-03 report for the purpose of notifying the Department about the status of certification and/or licenses and criminal history record checks for contracted service providers for students with disabilities. | More

Mentoring workshop for educators of gifted and talented program

The Maine Department of Education will sponsor a mentoring workshop for new and experienced gifted and talented educators at the Augusta Armory on September 7. | More

Youth health survey to be delivered next February

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the fifth administration of the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) will be conducted in February. | More

Maine’s CTE professional trucking program captures national attention

Approximately 70 students in Maine are enrolled in a course of study designed for future careers in commercial trucking. | More

Maine School Transportation Safety Conference held last month

The Maine Department of Education sponsored the forty-fifth annual Maine School Transportation Safety Conference in collaboration with the Maine State Police and Maine Association for Pupil Transportation last month. | More

Educator prep programs focus at higher education workshop

Higher education representatives gathered with Maine DOE to discuss educator preparation programs throughout Maine colleges and universities with educator career tracks. | More

An inside look at Maine’s 2016 County Teachers of the Year

Seven Maine educators went before the State review panel as part of the 2017 Maine Teacher of the Year selection process. | More

Oxford Hills School district creating a healthier learning environment

One of the great benefits of the district’s IPM program is that both students and staff take home what they learn about IPM practices at school. | More
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Maine DOE Update – August 4, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Notice of new rule: Instruction related to use of CPR and AEDs in public schools

The following rule, Chapter 41: Offering Instruction Related to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the Use of an Automated Defibrillator in Maine Public Schools, requires public schools to offer training to students on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use automated external defibrillators.

The rule was designed to ensure that the training requirements can be met without public schools being required to expand or modify their activities so as to necessitate additional expenditures from local revenues.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Maine Schools Update, due August 15
Annual Budget Reporting, due August 25
Year End Financial Reporting, due August 25
Year-End Report of Special Purpose Private Schools (CARES) EF-S-10, due August 31

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Refresh moving forward for MLTI devices

The Maine Department of Education is announcing that the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Opt-in and Refresh contract has been finalized. | More

Infinite Campus State Edition now open for student data entry

Infinite Campus State Edition is now open for student data entry for the 2016-17 school year. | More

FY 2016 annual audit requirements

The Maine Department of Education would like to remind the field that statements of assurance and MEDMS financial reconciliations, as required by Title 20-A MRSA 6051 §4, are due by November 2. | More

MSAA report window opens earlier

The MEA Alternate Mathematics and ELA/Literacy (MSAA) reporting window will open two months earlier than last year’s operational (NCSC) reporting window. | More

School transportation software updated

As of August 3, the Transfinder Infofinder i website was updated to offer more routing and transportation management software for easier and faster access for parents and school districts alike. | More

Federal homeless education amendments effective October

Amendments to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act go into effect October 1. | More

Extended window for ESSA stakeholder feedback

The Department has extended the deadline for a feedback survey. Survey results will be collected now through August 31. | More

Regional SLO trainings held late August

The Department will offer Student Learning Objective (SLO) training on August 22 and 23 to school administrative units in support of the development of Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth systems. | More

NEO data workshops underway

Over 500 school administrators are participating in the 14 NEO data system training workshops across the state that began on July 19 and will finish on August 18. | More

Early college opportunities worth exploring this summer

The Maine Department of Education would like to remind high school students of the many opportunities available for an early start on a college track. | More

AP4ALL program ready for fall

Eleven of Maine’s AP4ALL instructors were in training last week, both in person and virtually. | More

Eligibility reminder for Aspirations Program

The Departments’s Aspirations Program provides eligible Maine high school students with an opportunity to receive academic credits toward both a high school diploma as well as an associate- or baccalaureate-level degree. | More

Summer Institute crosses globe, tells stories

Educators acquired new skills at the 2016 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Summer Institute last week. | More

Summer Institute educates over half of state’s school nurses

The Maine Department of Education hosted the 2016 School Nurse Summer Institute, Kaleidoscope of School Nursing Practice last week at Bates College in Lewiston. | More

Maine DOE seeks to fill vacancies on Title I Committee of Practitioners

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that each state educational agency that receives Title I funds must create a State Committee of Practitioners (COP) to advise the State in carrying out its responsibilities. | More

Temporary job opportunities: Assessment Administrators

Westat Data Corporation is recruiting motivated individuals who are committed to excellence and are experienced in working with primary and secondary school students for the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress for the National Center for Education Statistics. | More

First Early Childhood Education Institute planned for this month

The Maine Department of Education’s first Early Childhood Education (ECE) Institute will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on August 23-24 for over 200 ECE professionals. | More

Reminder: update school emergency operation plans

Summer provides an opportunity for school districts to complete an annual review and update of their Emergency Operations Plan, also known as a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. | More

Medicaid Educational Liaison ready to assist schools

Maine Department of Education staff recently met with the new State Medicaid Education Liaison, Trista Collins from the Department of Human Services, about her work with schools and Medicaid Reimbursement. | More

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Maine DOE Update – July 21, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Two summer institutes to be held next week

The Maine Department of Education is hosting two summer institutes next week. Both the 2016 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Summer Institute and the 2016 School Nurse Summer Institute will be held will be held July 26-28.

The School Nurse Summer Institute, taking place at Bates College in Lewiston, will provide attendees with presentations on State rules and laws related to school nurse practice in Maine, concussions, absenteeism, Tick Talk and more. In addition, the 2016 Maine’s School Nurse of Year will be announced.

At Thomas College, the MLTI Summer Institute will allow participants to delve deeply into one of six learning through technology topics offered to help leverage students’ MLTI devices in the classroom. These topics include: exploring instructional uses of YouTube, modern meaningful project-based learning, teaching with GIS, an introduction to app development with Swift, multimedia digital storytelling, and reimagining twenty-first century teaching and learning.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Annual Budget Reporting, due August 25
Year End Financial Reporting, due August 25
Year-End Report of Special Purpose Private Schools (CARES) EF-S-10, due August 31

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Preliminary assessment participation data available

The Maine Department of Education has published preliminary participation rate data for general assessments in mathematics and English language arts/literacy. | More

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) web page launched

The Maine Department of Education has launched its Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) web page that will continue to develop as the State builds its framework in implementing the law. | More

Child Nutrition Services hosts Back to Basics training next month

The Maine Department of Education will conduct its annual Back to Basics training on August 23. | More

Positive school climate conference held last month

Educators, school and district leaders, and policy makers from across the country gathered in Portland last month. | More

Maine FFA student officers participate in regional conference

Student officers of the Maine FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) participated in advanced leadership training in New York last month. | More

Deputy Commissioner joins radio show on WVOM

Deputy Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley joined the George Hale Ric Tyler Show on Bangor’s WVOM earlier this month. | More

Downeast adventure for teachers in agriculture and science

The 2016 Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Summer Teachers Institute will be held August 1-5 in Machias. | More

Turfgrass management workshop

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry would like to remind facilities managers and integrated pest management (IPM) coordinators of the upcoming turfgrass management workshop on July 26. | More

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Maine DOE Update – July 7, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

School renovation funding available

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications to receive funding for school renovation projects through the School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF). The application deadline is September 30.

The Department will be able to approve approximately $10 million in SRRF loans. A portion of each loan will be considered a grant and will be forgiven. The remaining portion will be paid back over either five or ten years with no interest. The maximum loan amount is limited to $1 million per school building per priority in any five-year period.

Applications for Priority One and Priority Two projects will be accepted. Priority One projects include indoor air quality improvement, structural roof repair, hazardous material abatement or removal, ADA compliance upgrades, and other health, safety and compliance renovations.

Priority Two SRRF projects include school building structures, windows and doors, and water and septic systems. Eligible Priority One projects will receive funding preference over Priority Two projects.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Report of Adult Education for Subsidy Purposes (EF-M-39A), due July 15
Reporting of the Use of Restraint and/or Seclusion on Students, due July 15
School Revolving Renovation Fund Application, due September 30

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

105th Commissioner’s Conference draws education leaders

The Maine Department of Education welcomed education leaders from across the state last week at the 105th Annual Commissioner’s Conference. | More

Secure your seat now for the 2016 Summer Literacy Institute

The Maine Department of Education’s literacy team is conducting one-day workshops in August to support Maine educators as they continue to develop proficiency systems in their schools. | More

Summer data training dates

The Maine Department of Education would like to remind you of the importance and value of participating in the 2016 summer data training. | More

Maine’s certification process: A precise, manual review

Maine’s certification statutes and rules, administered by the Department of Education’s certification team, apply to approximately 97,000 individuals in Maine who seek to work in Maine schools. | More

Summer meals programs expand in Maine

Child nutrition programs at the Maine Department of Education have been working hard to close the “hunger gap” experienced over the summer months through the USDA’s Summer Food Rocks food distribution program. | More

Math teaching improves for students with disabilities

The Maine Department of Education provided three of its five days of intensive Foundations of Math training last month. | More

Making a Difference through Schoolsite Health Promotion and Wellness Programs

The Maine Department of Education hosted the 2016 Maine School Wellness Summit, Inspiring the Future!, at Bates College on June 22 and 23. | More

School transportation: improving safety, reducing costs

The Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with Transfinder and Core Education and Consulting, is helping school districts that use transportation operations analyses improve fleet safety while reducing operations costs. | More

Drinking water protection seminar: save the date

The Water Resources Committee of the Maine Water Utilities Association is presenting the 10th Annual Drinking Water Protection Seminar Thursday, September 1. | More

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Maine DOE Update – June 23, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

2017 Teacher of the Year semifinalists announced

The Maine Department of Education in partnership with Educate Maine, is pleased to announce eight teachers as semifinalists for Maine’s 2017 Teacher of the Year. They were chosen from the 2016 County Teachers of the Year, who were honored in May at a celebration held in Augusta.

The eight semifinalists will continue in the intensive selection process which consists of a professional portfolio review and an oral presentation, before narrowing the pool to three state finalists. The finalists will then sit for a final interview and have a school-site visit before the 2017 Maine Teacher of the Year is selected.

Continue reading →

Notices and Reporting Items

Reminders:

Aggregate Daily Attendance / Membership Reporting, due June 30
End-of-Year Behavior Reporting, due June 30
End-of-Year Staff Data Requirements, due June 30
End-of-Year Student Enrollment Responsibilites, due June 30
End-of-Year Truancy Incident Reporting, due June 30
End-of-Year Special Education Exit Reporting, due June 30
School Bus Purchase Report (EF-T-20: Quarter 4), due June 30

More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar

News & Views

Maine DOE seeks districts to apply for TIF grant to support teachers and leaders in high-need schools – application due June 27

Reminder to districts: complete initial application packets must be received by 5 p.m., June 27, 2016. | More

Maine DOE announces 2016-17 testing dates

To better assist the field with planning for the 2016-17 school year, the Maine Department of Education has released testing dates for the Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MeCAS). | More

Final 2016 regional school bus driver conference promotes, teaches safety

The Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with the Maine State Police and the Maine Association for Pupil Transport (MAPT), is hosting the final Regional Safety Conference. | More

Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year announced

The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association recently selected Assistant Superintendent of Westbrook School Department Dr. Peter Lancia. | More

Upcoming facilities conference for school staff

The Maine Department of Education is encouraging superintendents, facilities directors, business managers, maintenance teams and custodial staff to attend the forty-eighth Annual School Facilities Conference. | More

Cross Discipline Literacy Network adds webinars to collection

The Cross Discipline Literacy Network (CDLN) has added eight webinars to its collection with the completion of the 2015-16 season, bringing the total to 71. | More

Maine College Transitions program for adult learners

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has teamed up with the Maine Department of Education to help spread the word about the Maine College Transitions program. | More

Summer poster contest promotes school attendance

Students ages 6-17 are invited to participate in Count ME In’s Second Annual Poster Contest. | More

Maine hosts northern New England FFA “Blast Off” training

Student leaders of the FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont gathered in South Portland earlier this month. | More

Students recognized for citizenship and Maine history

Students from all over the state were recognized earlier this month for participating in the Maine Secretary of State’s Eighth Grade Citizenship Award and the Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest. | More

Retired sheriff finds new niche as school bus driver

When people retire from a law enforcement career, they sometimes continue the serve and protect aspect of their job in other ways. For former sheriff Guy Desjardins, that next job started out as intimidating, but quickly turned into a new passion connecting with students and school buses. | More

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Request for Proposals: Data Analysis and Evaluation Services for 21st CCLC Program
View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – June 9, 2016

From the Maine Department of Education

Estimated release dates of 2015-16 assessment data

The Maine Department of Education is negotiating a contract with vendor FocalPointK12 to deliver the 2015-16 assessment results via an online reporting system. The Maine Assessment and Accountability Reporting System (MAARS) is expected to be launched in the coming months and will provide both public and confidential access to data, replacing Measured Progress’ iServices portal.

To keep educators and the public informed, the Department has developed an expected timeline of release for the various assessments conducted during the 2015-16 school year. Although the timing for much of the data is later than desired, it is anticipated that the 2016-17 data will be released much earlier since Maine’s assessment and reporting systems will not undergo major changes in 2016-17.

Continue reading →