AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced this week he is allocating $16,000 to the SEALSfit youth leadership program. The funding is through the Governor’s contingency fund and the money will enable the program to continue offering support to Maine youth.
Category: Media Releases
Maine high school graduation rate up, achievement gaps down
Newly released state and federal data shows Maine is closing achievement gaps as graduation rates among economically disadvantaged students, those with disabilities and some minorities are on the rise and above national averages
AUGUSTA – Maine’s high school graduation rate has hit an all-time high, as has the percentage of students who are either economically disadvantaged or have a disability and are earning their diploma in four years.
According to newly released data from the Maine Department of Education, 86.48 percent of the students who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2010 graduated on time in 2014. That’s up just slightly from 86.36 percent in 2013 and well above the 80.3 percent graduation rate reached in 2009-2010 when the current calculation method was introduced.
Continue reading “Maine high school graduation rate up, achievement gaps down”
Governor LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy honor teen mentors
Governor Paul R. LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy President and CEO Liza McFadden honored 14 teen mentors with Excellence Awards in leadership and service during a recognition ceremony at the Blaine House this week. Students mentoring in the Foundation’s Teen Trendsetters™ program assist first through third graders with reading during weekly tutoring sessions.
Maine DOE opens registration for free online AP classes
The offering of free Advanced Placement courses through AP4ALL is another way the Maine Department of Education makes digital learning opportunities available to all Maine students
AUGUSTA – Registration is now open for online Advanced Placement courses provided at no cost to the state’s public school students by the Maine Department of Education. Continue reading “Maine DOE opens registration for free online AP classes”
Acting Education Commissioner to visit Baxter Academy Friday
The visit marks the first by a Maine Education Commissioner to one of the state’s six new public charter schools
PORTLAND – Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner Tom Desjardin will visit the Baxter Academy for Technology & Science on Friday to see how the innovative new public school is engaging its students through hands-on group learning.
The visit marks the first time a sitting education commissioner has toured a Maine public charter school since Governor Paul R. LePage signed legislation making Maine the 41st state to allow public charters and expanded the opportunity Maine students have to attend the school that is in their best interest. Continue reading “Acting Education Commissioner to visit Baxter Academy Friday”
Maine Teacher of the Year nominations due today
Nominations are due by 5 p.m. today for the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Mainers who have been positively impacted by one of the state’s many outstanding public school educators are encouraged to extend their thanks by taking a few minutes today to submit their nomination. All nominees will be notified, so even those who do not advance further will receive recognition.
Nominate a great Maine teacher now. Continue reading “Maine Teacher of the Year nominations due today”
Maine DOE recommends, rather than requires, assessment keyboards
The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that mechanical keyboards, while still recommended based on the best interest of some students, will no longer be required for the online administration starting next month of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced. Continue reading “Maine DOE recommends, rather than requires, assessment keyboards”
Acting Education Commissioner to visit Auburn schools
AUBURN – Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner will return Wednesday to the Auburn schools he once attended to learn about their efforts to improve outcomes and to inspire students with his own story.
Continue reading “Acting Education Commissioner to visit Auburn schools”
Nominations sought for 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year
AUGUSTA – Nominations are now open for the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Members of the public can enter educators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and nurturing the achievement of all students at www.mainetoy.org through Feb. 20. To be considered, a teacher must hold at least a four-year degree and be employed by a Maine public school – including a public charter school or publicly supported secondary school. Continue reading “Nominations sought for 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year”
Tom Desjardin named Acting Education Commissioner
Tom Desjardin has been appointed by Governor Paul R. LePage as Acting Education Commissioner. Continue reading “Tom Desjardin named Acting Education Commissioner”
Maine DOE Newsroom 