Focus on high-quality early learning and development experiences for children before kindergarten
AUGUSTA – While Maine was not one of the nine states chosen for a major federal grant for early learning programs, state education and health officials pledged Friday to move forward anyway with their plan to bolster high quality early learning and development experiences for children before kindergarten.
Continue reading “Not chosen for award, Maine pledges to move ahead on early learning program”
The following is a press release from the Maine State Board of Education
AUGUSTA – The Maine State Board of Education has appointed four members to the State Charter School Commission, opening a path for the approval of charter schools in Maine.
Continue reading “Ed board approves charter commission members”
Last of three public forums part of effort to gather feedback for federal flexibility request
PORTLAND — Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen will visit Portland tonight to ask the public for ideas on measuring school and teacher effectiveness, and crafting a system that holds schools accountable and rewards success.
The following is a press release from the office of Maine Sen. Susan Collins. The Maine DOE coordinates the selection of the Maine delegates for this program.
Two outstanding high school students to spend a week in Washington
Continue reading “Maine students chosen to participate in U.S. Senate Youth Program”
Public forums, online feedback will be used in request for federal flexibility
AUGUSTA — The federal government is offering Maine, like all other states, a chance to develop its own system of accountability and recognition of schools — allowing the state to jettison what many now consider unrealistic and unfair requirements and negative labels in the current No Child Left Behind Act.
Continue reading “Ed Commissioner asks public for ideas on school accountability and recognition”
Ed commissioner calls for focus on literacy in light of latest NAEP scores
AUGUSTA – Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen said nationwide test results released today are modestly encouraging in some areas, but point to the need for more and better sharing of best practices and resources across the state. He called on his Department and schools to undertake a concerted effort to improve literacy achievement.
Continue reading “Maine up in 8th grade math; flat elsewhere”
Federal grant will increase the ranks of highly qualified teachers working with special-needs students
AUGUSTA – Current and future teachers of special-needs students in Maine will have access to improved training to help their students succeed academically and graduate on time.
Continue reading “Maine wins $3.35m to improve special education teacher training”
Surprise! Morgan Cuthbert receives the prestigious award in front of students and colleagues
YARMOUTH – A seventh-grade mathematics and science teacher in his 12th year of teaching was honored at a surprise all-school assembly Monday afternoon with the presentation of a prestigious national teaching award, and a check for $25,000. Maine Department of Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen presented the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award to Morgan Cuthbert in front of students, colleagues, and local and state dignitaries at Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth.
Continue reading “Bowen presents $25,000 Milken Award to Yarmouth teacher”
The following is a press release from the Maine State Board of Education
Nancy Perkins is awarded the Distinguished Service Award by NASBE
AUGUSTA – The national organization that represents state boards of education from across the United States has awarded Nancy Perkins, a member of the Maine State Board of Education, its 2011 Distinguished Service Award. The national award from the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is given annually to a state board of education member in recognition of outstanding service to public education.
Continue reading “State Ed Board member receives national honor”
State seeks $32 million to ensure high-quality early learning and development experiences for children before kindergarten
AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services submitted a joint application this week for $32.2 million in a federal grant competition. The proposal aims to strengthen the quality of Maine’s early childhood programs and make them available to more high-needs children.
Continue reading “Maine submits Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge application”
