Corrected Dates Proposed Revisions to Rule Ch. 132 (Health Education & Physical Education, Visual & Performing Arts, World Languages); Public Hearing on Nov. 22, 2021

As part of the scheduled periodic review of the Maine Learning Results, the Maine Department of Education is seeking public comments regarding proposed revisions to Health Education & Physical Education, Visual & Performing Arts, and World Languages Standards found in Rule Chapter 132 Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction. Please note that the Department of Education is only seeking comments on the Health Education & Physical Education, Visual & Performing Arts, and World Languages sections of Rule Chapter 132 at this time.

You can find the proposed revisions at the following links:
Health Education & Physical Education
Visual & Performing Arts
World Languages

The standards review process for the Health Education & Physical Education, Visual & Performing Arts, and World Languages began in 2019 with a public comment period and a public hearing on the current Health Education, & Physical Education, Visual & Performing Arts, and World Languages Standards. After the public comment period, steering committees were convened who were charged with reviewing all submitted comments and with developing blueprints for the revision of the state standards in their assigned content area. Once the blueprints were created, writing teams, consisting of PK-12 teachers who represent Maine’s cultural and geographical diversity, assembled to draft the standards revisions.

Now, as part of this review process, the Maine Department of Education has submitted the revisions as part of a proposed rule change to Chapter 132. Details on each of the review processes can be found at the following links:
Health Education & Physical Education
Visual & Performing Arts
World Languages

As required by law, a period of public comment opens today, October 27, 2021 through December 3, 2021. Written comments may be sent to Standards Review at sis.doe@maine.gov, or mailed to Beth Lambert, 23 SHS Station, Augusta, ME 04333 and received by midnight on December 3, 2021.

In addition, a public hearing for the proposed rule will be held in person and virtually on November 22, 2021, 3:00-5:00PM at the Cross Office Building, 111 Sewall St, Augusta, ME 04333, Room 103A and B. As space will be limited, participants are encouraged to attend virtually through Zoom, using this link.

You can find the proposed revisions at the following link, listed by chapter number: https://www.maine.gov/doe/about/laws/rulechanges

School Bus Purchase Program Applications Open Nov. 1st to 25th

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications to receive subsidy for new school buses purchased through the Maine School Bus Purchase Program. The application period is November 1 through November 25, 2021.

The Maine DOE will be able to approve about $9 million in school bus allocations that combines new bus requests and the prior year bus term commitment. Round one applications will be accepted for school buses proposed to be purchased during fiscal year 2022-2023.

This program provides subsidy to school administrative units (SAUs) in order to offset partial costs of new school buses that are used to transport students to and from home and school and school events. This program is a resource to help SAUs purchase new school buses, retire end of life school buses, and respond to emergency and special bus needs.

With the exception of Section 3.1, eligible vehicles must meet Code of Maine Regulations Chapter 85 minimum qualifications.

The School Bus Purchase Program instructions and information are available on the Maine DOE’s NEO dashboard. To fill out an application, SAU staffs must log in to NEO.

If you have questions about the Maine School Bus Purchase Program, please contact Pat Hinckley, Transportation and Facilities Administrator at pat.hinckley@maine.gov.

If you need help logging into NEO, contact Maine DOE Helpdesk at medms.helpdesk@maine.gov or 207-624-6896.

October EPS Reporting Deadline Approaching; This Data Impacts Subsidy Allocations.

This is a reminder that October 1st Student Enrollment Count Certification is due on October 30th, 2021 and that the Staff Certification is due November 15th, 2021.

We understand that all school staff are operating in a challenging landscape right now but, it is extremely important to meet these timelines for student and staff certification as this data directly impacts your subsidy allocations. Without this data, we cannot ensure that your subsidy calculation is accurate and that you receive it on time to build your FY 2023 budgets.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns in regards to these reporting collections, please contact the MEDMS Helpdesk at (204) 624-6896 or MEDMS.Helpdesk@Maine.gov.

Extension of NWEA Assessment Window

Recognizing the extreme challenges experienced at the start of the 2021-2022 school year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to directly impact Maine SAUs, schools, students and families, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and our assessment team would like to ensure that the maximum flexibility possible is provided to support educators and students.

As such, the fall NWEA assessment window, due to close on Friday, October 29, 2021, will be extended a further two (2) weeks and will now close on Friday, November 12, 2021.

Due to the fluid and constant evolution of COVID-19 and the uncertainty this brings, the Department is proactively also extending the spring NWEA assessment window by an additional two (2) weeks. The spring 2022 NWEA assessment window will now open Monday, May 2, 2022 and will close six (6) weeks later, Friday, June 10, 2022.

We hope the additional time allotted will provide some level of reprieve from the multitude of demands you are facing, and we thank you for your dedication to Maine students and their families.

Seeking Educators to Form Maine Elementary Literacy Leaders Network

Many of us enjoy the connections and information provided as we participate in a wide variety of Social Networks. We have the ability to learn new things, ask questions and stay connected to family and friends far and wide. Professional education networks can also allow teachers to make connections to expand knowledge, problem solve and connect with educators well outside a narrow geographic area. Teachers who take advantage of professional learning networks are able to expand interests, participate in extended professional conversations and expand teaching expertise to directly impact teaching and learning. (“Together We Are Better”: Professional Learning Networks for Teachers, Trust, 2016).

Maine Department of Education is pleased to facilitate the forming of a Maine Elementary Literacy Leaders Network to support the work and one another on behalf of Maine students and their learning. The Maine DOE plans to facilitate this group through professional text and article studies, sharing problems of practice, conversations with educators across the state, sharing of resources, state updates, and development of professional presentations for the benefit of all Maine’s Elementary educators.

A network of Maine Elementary Literacy Leaders may be comprised of classroom teachers, literacy specialists, literacy coaches, interventionists, ed techs, special education teachers, English language teachers, pre-service teachers, and higher education faculty. This group, brought together by a common goal to strengthen literacy instructional practices across the state, has the potential to be a powerful team.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of a professional network of Elementary Literacy Leaders please complete this form.

FMI, please contact Dee Saucier at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov.

Maine Parent Federation and Maine DOE Looking for Your Input!

Each year the Office of Special Services at the Maine Department of Education submits an Annual Performance Report (APR) to the federal Office of Special Education Programs, known as OSEP. The APR is a package of multiple reports called indicators, and each indicator is a report of the state’s performance in various areas for students that receive special education. States are required to monitor and report on their progress in each of the areas, and set annual targets for improvement.

Maine Parent Federation has partnered with the Maine Department of Education to create a series of videos, found here, and surveys to gather input from all stakeholders, (parents, school staff, students), on current and future performance. We are looking for feedback to assist Maine DOE in deciding on the targets for the next 6 years. Your input is critical to ensure the APR reflects the priorities of all stakeholders.

Please register below to join MPF staff and learn more about this project, as well as how you can assist. Please register for the day that works best for you below. If you have any questions please reach out to Dylan Campbell, dcampbell@mpf.org.

When: Oct 27, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) register HERE.

When: Nov 4, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) register HERE.

Outstanding STEM Work at Waterboro’s 21st CCLC Program Featured Nationally

Aimee Moody, Director of LearningWorks -RSU 57’s 21st Century Community Learning Center program, and her afterschool staff have been providing outstanding STEM programming for students enrolled in the summer and afterschool program for many years. In more recent years, the pandemic hasn’t stopped them from continuing to offer engaging, high-level, virtual programming.

STEM Next, a national leader in increasing opportunities in STEM learning for youth, recently published a December 2020 Case Study about the Million Girl Moonshot and LearningWorks Waterboro’s 21st program.

Check out the article here: Case Study: LearningWorks Afterschool Program in Waterboro, Maine. Written by Kate Kastalein from the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.

Governor Mills Visits Portland Adult Education To Promote Its Work

Governor Janet Mills visited Portland Adult Education (PAE) this week to promote its work in providing job and workforce training opportunities for Maine people. As part of her tour, Governor Mills visited with students in English learning classrooms, joined a virtual classroom, and participated in a discussion with former students who have graduated from PAE programs and are now in the workforce.

During the Governor’s Oct. 19 visit, immigrant students in a beginning English class took turns explaining to her why they’re learning English – reasons such as being able to get better jobs and to understand more about the culture in which their children are growing up. One student said she was thrilled that Mills had shaken her hand as they both were entering the building. “I’m so happy,” she said to the Governor.

“Maine welcomes you with all our heart,” Governor Mills told the students.

PAE is one of more than 70 adult education programs across Maine that provide job and workforce training, English learning classes, and other instructional courses that lead to better employment opportunities. Governor Mills, with the support of the Legislature, has increased funding for adult education in Maine by approximately 14 percent since taking office in January 2019, including a $1.2 million increase specifically in adult education workforce development funding.

“Maine has been grappling with a workforce shortage for decades now, and the pandemic has only made it worse,” continued Governor Mills. “Adult education is a critical component in our efforts to address that serious problem and strengthen our workforce. Not only does adult education equip more people with the skills needed to get a good-paying job, but it also allows them to put down roots, raise families, and live a rewarding life while contributing to the overall growth of our economy. It was a pleasure to visit Portland Adult Education, meet with its incredible students and staff, and see firsthand the important work they are doing every day to make Maine a better place.”

The Maine adult education system also partners with the Maine CareerCenters, local employers, higher education, and community agencies to maximize the education and training opportunities for adult learners.

PAE serves more than 2,000 racially and linguistically diverse students in its academic and workforce programs each year. Working with strong employer and community partnerships, PAE designs and implements customized workforce training opportunities for students to enter or advance in a range of professional fields, including health care, education, financial services, early childhood education and transportation. PAE offers 10-12 week intensive programs that integrate targeted language and skills training, as well as career advising and job search support in partnership with PAE’s New Mainers Resource Center.

“It was great to have the Governor acknowledge the incredible work of our staff and students,” said PAE Executive Director Anita St. Onge. “Adult education programs throughout the state are working to provide education for students seeking a high school diploma, preparing students for college, and providing training to strengthen Maine’s workforce. We are also working with foreign-trained professionals to provide education and advice with workforce issues and licensing, enabling them to reach their highest potential.”

“We were happy to welcome Governor Janet Mills to Portland Adult Education,” said Portland Public Schools Superintendent Xavier Botana. “PAE is a wonderful resource to Portland and a major source of economic development. I always say that every dollar we invest in adult education is not just a dollar invested in PAE students. It is a dollar invested in their children, in their families, and in the whole community. I appreciate Governor Mills’ recognition of this and look forward to working with her and the adult education community to maximize the value of PAE and direct the appropriate resources to support their growth and development.”

COVID-19 Pre-Screening Tool Updated

The Maine Department of Education has updated its Pre-Screening Tool for School Attendance. Changes include only clarifying language and adding back the lists of common and less common symptoms of COVID-19 which are unchanged from when they were previously listed on the pre-screening tool.

Direct Link: Updated Pre-Screening Tool for School Attendance. The updated version can also be found on the Maine DOE COVID-19 Toolkit under the “School Health Resources” dropdown.

Please note that the Department will provide updated translated versions of the Pre-Screening Tool as soon as possible. Those will replace the 8.16.21 translated versions that are still available here.

For feedback or questions about the pre-screening tool email – Emily.poland@maine.gov

Over 28,000 Maine Public Elementary Students to Receive Free Books from FAME

(Photo caption: J. McQuilken, second grade student at Captain Albert W. Stevens School in Belfast, with a copy of the book, “Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts”.)

In recognition of October as Financial Planning Month and to strengthen financial capability in Maine, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has once again partnered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to offer Invest in ME Reads, a program to support family financial education by empowering families to engage in conversations about future goals, saving money, and the value of choice.

Second graders at Etna-Dixmont School enjoy author Maribeth Boelts’s virtual book reading.

Unlike many financial education programs that focus on high school students, Invest in ME Reads engages children early in elementary school to help them begin to learn about money and financial decision making. FAME launched the program in 2020 to serve all Maine second graders and this year has expanded it to provide free resources to all public second and third grade students.

Through the Invest in ME Reads program, students will receive from FAME a collection of educational resources, including free books and bookmarks that encourage saving, giving, and delayed gratification. Families will also be given materials to use at home, including a parent guide, information to help kick-start their focus on college savings, and special content to encourage them to visit InvestinMeReads.com, an interactive web page with fun activities and resources for students and their families.

“The Invest in ME program has become a yearly event here at the Etna-Dixmont School”, said Jane York, who serves as Principal of the school. “Our second grade students and teachers have enjoyed reading the book, having a virtual visit with the author, Maribeth Boelts, and discussing the importance of friendship, caring, and helping others. The financial information for the parents has sparked conversations about saving, needs and wants and also giving back. It is a great program and we are thrilled that the third grade was included this year. The experience they had with the book and the parent connection last year has now been reaffirmed. Thank you for this wonderful program.”

The program helps to support Maine’s statewide goal to produce an educated and skilled workforce. For many Mainers, a lack of financial capability can be a significant barrier to pursuing education and training after high school, which in turn can have an impact on an individual’s ability to seek employment and, ultimately, the strength of Maine’s economy.

“At FAME, we recognize that financial capability is a key ingredient for lifelong success and we want to do our part by providing resources that will support financial education – even as early as elementary school,” said FAME Director of Education Martha Johnston. “Schools across Maine have embraced the program and we look forward this year to expanding the program to reach both second and third grade students and their families.”

In November, FAME will offer a virtual reading featuring one of the books, Those Shoes, read by the author Maribeth Boelts. One elementary school will be chosen to bring Boelts into their classroom for a special virtual visit. “A child’s financial education can begin simply through families, teachers, and caregivers sharing a story and engaging in conversation,” said Boelts. “I am so honored that my book is a part of the Invest in ME Reads Program and is included among the many helpful and rich resources provided on FAME’s website.”

For more information about how FAME can support your family’s financial goals, please visit the Invest in ME Reads website.

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is a quasi-independent state agency that provides innovative financial solutions to help Maine citizens pursue business and educational opportunities. FAME helps to lead the creation of good paying jobs for Maine citizens by working at the nexus between economic and workforce development. To learn more about FAME, please visit www.FAMEmaine.com.