Category: Maine DOE Update

Commissioner’s Update – December 31, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

Governor Paul R. LePage has nominated Dr. William Beardsley to be Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education. Beardsley has been with Maine DOE since October as acting commissioner.

Now the State Board of Education will have the opportunity to meet with Beardsley, who was a board member prior to being named acting commissioner. The board will then forward an evaluation to the Governor. Following that, the nomination is then subject to review by the Legislature’s Joint Education Committee and final confirmation by the Maine Senate.

Beardsley served as president and CEO of Husson University for 22 years and also served on and chaired numerous boards including Maine Higher Education Council, Maine Independent College Association, and the Finance Authority of Maine. He has previously served as commissioner for the Maine Department of Conservation.

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Notices and Reporting Items

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USDOE seeking input regarding Elementary and Secondary Education Act-Title I

The United States Department of Education (USDOE) is asking for suggestions regarding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, (ESEA) Title I. | More

Acting Commissioner Beardsley visits public preschool classroom

Last month, Acting Commissioner Bill Beardsley visited Brittany Kamenos’ four-year old classroom at the Chelsea Elementary School. | More

Maine DOE employees honored

Earlier this month Maine Department of Education’s Roberta Lucas and Pam Partridge were invited to the Blaine House to be formally honored. | More

Commissioner visits Houlton Elementary School

Acting Commissioner of Education Bill Beardsley was a guest at Houlton Elementary School this past month learning more about the successful K-to-3 literacy program. | More

Franklin County Teacher of the Year’s hope for a student living in poverty

Brenda LaVerdiere, Franklin County Teacher of the Year, writes story of hope for student living in poverty. | More

Certification of superintendent election or reelection

Maine DOE is reminding administrators and school board members of an approaching deadline. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes to Chapter 126 / 261 Immunization Requirements for School Children

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.| More

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Commissioner’s Update – December 17, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE introduces the first of three collections of articles for the 2015-16 school year in the “Content Corner,” resources designed to support teaching and learning in Maine classrooms and make connections to classroom applications and research.

This inaugural collection of articles focuses on instructional strategies to support educator understanding of effective practices in the content areas. The first installment includes:

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News & Views

Critical staff data correction for FY 17 EPS subsidy calculation

In reviewing the Staff Data download from Dec. 1, 2015 to be used in the FY 17 Essential Programs and Services (EPS) Funding calculations, the Department found a large number of possible errors. | More

Mathematics & ELA/literacy assessment information for 2015-16

The Department’s Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MeCAS) website pages are updated to include information on the spring 2016  English Language Arts/Literacy and mathematics assessment. | More

2015 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey results available

Maine students reported fewer of them are engaged in sexual relations, one third of high school students report they have used vapor cigarettes, and 30-day alcohol use has decreased among high schoolers. These results and more can be found in the 2015 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS). | More

Save the date: 2016 Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents

The 105th Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents will be held Sunday, June 26 through Tuesday, June 28. | More

A mathematics three-part series professional development update

This year, Maine DOE is bringing together approximately 200 teachers of mathematics to learn about and implement practices that support student engagement and learning. | More

CTE safety program grant

The Maine Career and Technical Education team is pleased to be able to offer secondary CTE schools an opportunity to update and renew their safety checklists and policies. | More

FFA opportunities brought to Foster Technology Center

Members of the Maine FFA Association had a chance to share more about their organization with students in the forestry program at the Foster Technology Center in Farmington. | More

Changes in oversight of educational program for State wards in out-of-state programs

Maine DOE will be assuming responsibility for overseeing the educational programming of children receiving special services who are in the legal custody of the State and placed in an out-of-state program. | More

Notice of new rule: Chapter 41

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. | More

Maine recognizes significance of education act

President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act saying this is a rare bipartisan agreement, which replaces the more rigid top-down statutory and regulatory structure of the old “No Child Left Behind Act.” | More

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Commissioner’s Update – December 10, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

Saco Teacher Surprised with Milken Educator Award and $25,000 in cash

SACO — Michaela Lamarre, an eighth-grade science teacher, was caught off-guard when, in front of an enthusiastic school-wide assembly at Saco Middle School, she was surprised with a Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 check this morning.

Lamarre is the only teacher in Maine this season to win the award, and among up to only 40 educators nationally who will receive the prestigious honor during the Milken Family Foundation’s coast-to-coast tour. The foundation has been rewarding outstanding elementary and secondary educators with the award since 1987.

In a school gym filled with cheering students, respected colleagues, distinguished officials, and the media, Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, and Acting Education Commissioner Dr. William Beardsley presented Michaela Lamarre with the distinctive navy blue envelope during the event.

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Maine signs assessment contract with valued, proven partner

The Maine Department of Education signed a contract with Measured Progress for the development of the 2016 State summative assessment in mathematics and English language arts/literacy. | More

Students honored by Maine’s First Lady

The Hall of Flags was filled with music and excited students who were recognized at a celebration of Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education. | More

2015 Craft Championships showcases students at work

Career and Technical Education students demonstrated their skills at the 16th Annual Craft Championships at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

Title I Comparability Report FY16

Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)/No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), requires that school administrative units (SAUs) with multiple attendance areas maintain comparability. | More

New FAQs regarding special education services

The Maine DOE has developed a set of frequently asked questions about revocation of consent for continued special education services. | More

Timeline for review of out-of-unit placement

When a child with a disability is placed by his or her IEP Team in an out-of-unit placement, MUSER Section IX.3.H requires the IEP Team to reconvene 30 days subsequent to the date the child begins to attend school. | More

Science professional development opportunity

The Maine DOE is offering science professional development for teachers of grades 6 -12 throughout the spring of the 2015-16 academic year. | More

Learning Through Technology team on the road

Members of Maine’s Learning Through Technology Team have been traveling across the state in recent weeks. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – December 3, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Department is offering clarification regarding the use of the State assessment as a student growth measure as described in Maine DOE Regulation Chapter 180, section 7 part 6. This rule requires the use of the State assessment for mathematics and English language arts/literacy teachers in grades 4-8 as one measure of student learning and growth in teacher summative effectiveness rating.

Although the law does not require the use of the State assessment for teachers outside of these content areas and grade levels described above, local school administrative units (SAUs) may choose to apply the State assessment to teachers as a collective measure in their Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) plans.

The law requires that districts develop a process by which they determine the use of collective measures, such as a State assessment. In the development of any process related to collective measures, the Maine DOE recommends that districts make a comprehensive effort to communicate with the majority of stakeholders to gain consensus.

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Arts students honored

The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Arts Commission are holding a celebration of Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education hosted by First Lady Ann M. LePage, December 4. | More

Clarification on certification approval and renewal

The following offers clarification on the status of approvals (criminal history records check) regarding Maine DOE’s certification process. | More

MEA Alternate Science (PAAP) Task Bank opens

The Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) task bank opened for teacher and student registration on Dec. 1. | More

Notice of annual audit requirements

Maine DOE is providing notice of a change to requirements as well as reminders about the annual audit requirements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, and subsequent years. | More

Maine DOE to release “Content Corner” resources

Maine DOE is pleased to announce the upcoming release of its inaugural collection of articles focused on instructional strategies. | More

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) update

Maine’s ESEA Flexibility renewal waiver approved on Aug. 12, 2015 highlights Maine DOE’s continued efforts to provide additional supports to schools and the most at-risk students. | More

Maine DOE continues to provide support and announces 2015-16 Schoolwide Annual Review list

Following the continued success and additional support through scheduled fall schoolwide information sessions, the Maine DOE continues to provide guidance to Title I schools. | More

Maine DOE partners with the UMF Office of Graduate Studies

Title I Schools identified as Focus within Maine, and demonstrating within school achievement gaps in mathematics performance, have the opportunity to utilize program improvement funds to support participation in the Maine Mathematics Coaching Project. | More

School construction projects continue to progress

School construction projects in the state are continuing to progress as the Maine DOE School Facilities team works with the 12 highest-rated school systems. | More

League of Innovative Schools enters fifth year

The Maine DOE in collaboration with the New England Secondary Schools Consortium (NESSC), convened six districts in the League of Innovative Schools (LIS). | More

Mid-Maine CTE promotes new student video production

Career and Technical Education media programs allow student to learn how to produce communication videos. | More

FFA students hold leadership workshop in Presque Isle

Student State Officers of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) conducted an all-day leadership workshop for over 100. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – November 19, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The following release was published Nov. 17 regarding Maine’s membership in the national initiative to broaden access to postsecondary learning.

Maine is now the 36th state to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), an initiative that will make distance-education courses more accessible to students across state lines and make it easier for institutions to participate in interstate distance education.

SARA is an agreement among its member states, districts and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner, Bill Beardsley says, “SARA facilitates Maine’s interface with education opportunities across the country while bypassing the old case-by-case burdensome course approval system. Maine students benefit and state red tape is minimized with no loss of accountability. It is a state consortium approach we value.”

The Maine Department of Education will start accepting SARA applications from institutions of higher education beginning December 1, 2015.

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Maine Teacher of the Year Gala

2016 Teacher of the Year Talya Edlund and 2015 County Teachers of the Year were honored at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. | More

Federal guidance to help students with disabilities

The U.S. Education Department releases guidance aimed at ensuring that America’s 6 million children and youth with disabilities have the same opportunity for a quality education as their nondisabled peers. | More

Council studies implementation of proficiency-based grad requirements

The Maine Legislature tasked the Maine Proficiency Education Council to study and make recommendations regarding implementation of the proficiency-based graduation requirements to the Commissioner of Education and the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. | More

Rulemaking underway on new CPR/AED law

In June 2015, LD 556 was passed which amended Maine DOE statute Sec. 20-A MRSA § 6304, An Act To Require Public Schools To Offer Instruction Related to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the Use of an Automated External Defibrillator. | More

Regional school calendars due by May 6

School administrative units and private schools approved for tuition purposes are expected to establish regional school calendars by May 6, 2016. | More

National school transportation conference focuses on safety and federal updates

School buses are an iconic symbol that represents access to education in the United States. Right now, as they are, school buses are by far the safest way for students to travel to and from school.| More

Child nutrition staff recognized

Recently, five members of Maine DOE’s School Finance and Operations Team were recognized for their work in summer meals for students. | More

Robots helping students

While more and more classrooms are exploring science concepts through robotics, and youth are participating in school robotics competitions or attending robotics camps during vacations, at least two Maine schools are actually helping students. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – November 12, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE released the 2015-16 transition funds to Maine school administrative units. The proficiency-based education transition grants, awarded annually to school administrative units since Oct. 2013, are intended to be used to support schools’ transition to proficiency-based learning and the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas.

Proficiency-based learning refers to a variety of diverse instructional practices and school structures focused on improving student learning. State law requires that beginning in 2018 (or beginning in subsequent years up to 2021 for SAUs that have been granted an extension) high schools must award diplomas based on students’ demonstrations of proficiency in eight content areas and the Guiding Principles. The intent of the law is to ensure Maine students graduate college and career ready, confident their diploma signifies they have the knowledge and skills needed for success in their next steps.

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PK-12 and higher education summit

Maine DOE staff joined approximately 100 faculty, admissions staff and leadership from the University of Maine System and the Community College System for a summit on Nov. 6. | More

Maine DOE offers technology support for ACCESS 2.0

To support districts with technology downloads and installing the Test Management System for the computer-based ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment, a training webinar will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes: Chapter 101

The Maine DOE is proposing a refinement to two sections of Rule Chapter 101. | More

Maine recognized for rules regarding student restraints

“Maine ranked one of the best in nation for rules limiting student restraints.” That is the headline from a news article this month referencing an online publication, ProPublica.| More

Health, physical education, recreation and dance annual conference a success

Over 500 physical education and health education teachers, as well as dance educators and recreation personnel participated in over 80 conference sessions and workshops earlier this month. | More

Kennebec Valley Showcase

Twelve school systems of the 15 from Kennebec Valley were involved in an interactive showcase event sharing a number of innovative and supportive learning opportunities available in their schools at the University of Maine at Augusta. | More

Assistant Superintendent of the Year named

Assistant Superintendent Emil Genest of Regional School Unit 22 has been named Assistant Superintendent of the Year by the Maine School Superintendents Association. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – November 5, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE is proud to report the distribution of 139 grants to school administrative units (SAUs) across the state of $4,600 each to support the development of performance evaluation and professional growth (PEPG) systems. The grant money was available to any school district that submitted their Intent to Pilot survey and submitted the PEPG Grant Application.

The grant funds will be used in a variety of PEPG development areas including training related to teachers and administrators in the professional practice models, student learning and growth measures, student learning objective (SLO) development, summative effectiveness ratings, implementation procedures, and PEPG language development. Other SAUs report plans to use the funds to help record and track their observation and evaluation data as part of their PEPG system.

The Department is currently in the process of reaching out to SAUs that did not pursue the grant monies by Oct. 15, to provide districts with technical assistance and guidance with compliance of Rule Chapter 180.

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Notices and Reporting

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Alcohol Awareness Day December 7

Community groups and schools across the state will be conducting activities to raise awareness about alcohol use and abuse on Monday, Dec. 7. | More

NCSC student report portal closes

The National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) Reporting Portal permanently closes this Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. | More

Guidelines for dyslexia and more

Last month was recognized as Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) month, and November is recognized to assist in raising awareness of the needs of children with learning and attention issues.| More

Training webinar for science assessment

Maine DOE and Measured Progress will conduct a training webinar on Nov. 17 from 2 – 4 p.m. for those teachers new to the administration of the Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP). | More

Maine DOE shares expertise at community meeting

Recently, three members of Maine DOE’s Standards and Instructional Support Team presented information to a local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. | More

Maine DOE announcing credentialing changes in 2016

Big changes are on the horizon in the way school personnel will receive credentialing in Maine. | More

Ways stay safe online

The internet plays a role in much of daily life at school, at work and at home.  October was National Cyber Security Awareness Month. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 29, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

Test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) were released Wednesday, Oct. 28.

AUGUSTA – Test scores from the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in grades 4 and 8, show Maine remains above the national average even as mathematics scores slightly declined and reading scores saw no statistical change.

The NAEP assessment is a 90 minute paper and pencil test providing a national yard stick of student achievement since 1969. This test is administered in grades 4 and 8 in randomly selected schools every other year. In Maine, about 2,500 students participated in each subject area, at each grade level. This assessment is consistent in all states including Department of Defense schools.

Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley said, “The greatest value of NAEP is it is a consistent, basic measurement that is designed to provide teachers, school administrators, parents, and business and community members a look at how Maine is doing compared to other states, and can be used for general comparison with other countries as well.”

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Notices and Reporting

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EPS funding calculation data needed now

It is imperative that you ensure your staff data is complete and accurate prior to the Nov. 13, 2015 deadline for the superintendent to certify your staff data. | More

A Guiding Principles resource for educators

The Maine DOE is offering support for educators (in understanding the spirit and intent of the Maine Learning Results Guiding Principles) by releasing a research-based set of descriptions titled, Understanding  the Guiding Principles. | More

Notice of proposed rule and rule changes: Chapters 176 and 23

The Maine DOE is proposing a repeal and replace of Chapter 23, a regulation related to the collection of staff information and Chapter 176, a new rule related to Child Development Services (CDS). | More

Maine DOE provides complimentary 2015-16 law books to superintendents

The Maine DOE acquired enough copies of the Maine Education and School Statutes 2015-2016 edition law book to distribute one at no charge to each superintendent of schools in Maine. | More

2015 Maine Native American history and culture essay contest

Maine DOE is pleased to notify schools of a contest sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State. | More

Walking School Bus Program application deadline

The Maine Walking School Bus Program continues to provide support to local schools on many fronts aimed to help Maine school children stay safe, keep physically active, increase learning, and promote good behavior. | More

A new way to teach

Maine’s 2015 Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Dorman, offered reflection on her teaching from attending the Maine DOE 2014 Summer Literacy Institute. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 22, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE welcomed Acting Commissioner Bill Beardsley this week. The following notice was distributed on Friday, Oct. 16 explaining the Governor’s appointment.

Beardsley-web

Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that Dr. William Beardsley will serve as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education. Dr. Beardsley is former president of Husson University and served as commissioner of the Department of Conservation.

“Bill has a strong track record in Maine and elsewhere, broad constituency support and a personal interest in education,” said Governor LePage. “Bill has contributed greatly to the Administration already and we are fortunate to have his support again.”

In writing to staff today, Acting Education Commissioner Tom Desjardin said, “While I had hoped to return to work Monday [from his Sept. 13 accident], when I do, it will be on a limited basis as I still have much healing to conquer…while Acting Deputy Commissioner Rachelle Tome has performed admirably in my absence, my medical condition should not put any further strain on the Department.”

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Maine DOE announces conditional assessment awardee

Maine DOE has made a conditional decision, based on a competitive process outlined by the Maine State Division of Purchases, to award Measured Progress, Inc. the contract to develop and deliver our Mathematics and ELA/Literacy assessment in 2015-16. | More

Maine leads the country (again!) in classroom technology and it’s a promise for educators

Maine DOE’s Learning Through Technology Team and the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) announces a new partnership with national education non-profit Digital Promise to bring micro-credentials to Maine’s educators. | More

Students recognize National School Bus Safety Week

Students and schools across the nation are recognizing 2015 National School Bus Safety Week this week, Oct. 19-23. | More

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day will be held this Friday, Oct. 23 on the last day of National School Bus Safety week. | More

Maine DOE co-sponsors Biennial Arts Education Conference

The Point Lookout Conference Center in Northport on Friday, Oct. 9 was abuzz with arts educators for the Biennial Statewide Arts Education conference, The Measure of Success. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 15, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Charter School Commission announces two charter school applications are moving forward.

AUGUSTA – On Oct. 26, the public will have the opportunity to weigh-in on two public charter schools proposed to open in Maine the fall of 2016.

Earlier today, review team members presented their recommendations on the four applications to the Maine Charter School Commission which voted to advance applications from Acadia Academy of the Lewiston-Auburn area and Snow Pond Arts Academy in Sidney.

The entire seven member Commission will now consider the proposed public schools and hold in-person interviews and public hearings on each application later this month before voting on Nov. 17. At this meeting, the Commission will decide whether to enter into contract negotiations with each applicant or deny the application. All proceedings are open to the public.

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Notices and Reporting

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Department reintroduces Administrative Letters

To better serve districts the Maine DOE is reintroducing Administrative Letters as an official form of communication. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes: Chapters 40 and 45

The Maine DOE is undertaking two rulemakings related to health with public hearings scheduled for Nov. 2. | More

Continued federal funding for preschool expansion grant

The Maine DOE is pleased to announce 12 school districts have joined the Department to open or expand high-quality public preschool programs in their communities. | More

MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made and more

The 2015-16 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

Office of Special Services offers math opportunity

The Maine DOE Office of Special Services is offering a training opportunity for elementary school math teachers focusing on improving math proficiency for students with disabilities. | More

NCSC Student Reports available to Test Coordinators

On Oct. 12 the National Center for State Collaborative (NCSC), Maine’s 2015 alternate assessment for math and English language arts/literacy, made Student Reports available to all registered Test Coordinators. | More

Newsweek lists four Maine schools as “beating the odds”

Four Maine schools have been recognized as “beating the odds” by Newsweek magazine. | More

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