PreK Grant Opportunity Funding for New PreK Programs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has a limited funding opportunity for School Administrative Units (SAU) interested in establishing a new PreK program in 2017-18. The Maine DOE has funding for up to five PreK Grants ranging from $22,000 to $52,000 a classroom. The purpose of the PreK grant is to expand high-quality PreK to children from families with moderate incomes.

The PreK Grant funding is not intended to fully fund the PreK program; there is a requirement for all subgrantees to provide at least a 60% local match to the federal funds. The grant’s funding level, combined with the SAUs local contribution, will ensure high quality PreK program standards and grant expectations are met and that the PreK program is sustainable after the grant closeout in December 2018. The PreK grants awarded in 2017-18 will continue, contingent on federal funding, through December 2018. This funding opportunity is part of the Maine DOE’s PreK Expansion Grant received in 2015. The grant’s absolute priority is to expand access to high-quality PreK to children with mid-range or lower incomes.

In grant year 1, the 2017-18 school year, the PreK grant could fund materials, equipment, furnishings and a portion of one year of operation of a pre-K program. SAUs must provide supplemental funding of 60% match. In grant year 2, 2018-19, funding will be provided through December 2018 and can cover a portion of the SAUs PreK program operating expenses.

Basic Requirements:

The PreK grant funds can be used to aid SAUs in starting a new PreK Program.
SAUs applying for grant funding must have at least a 50% district-wide free/reduced (F/R) lunch rate. FRL is 185% of Federal Poverty Level.
Priority enrollment must be given to children from families at 200% Federal Poverty Level and below.
The proposed PreK program must meet all public PreK program standards as required by the Maine Department of Education rules, Code of Maine Regulations (05-071 CMR Chapter.124.) Maine DOE Chapter 124.
SAUs must match federal funds – minimum of 60%.
Provide full day programming – 6 hours daily
Comprehensive Services offered to all families
Administer Kindergarten Entry Assessment as directed by Maine DOE’s PreK Grant.
Funding level a maximum $4,500 per eligible child + targeted funds for grant requirements. Only eligible children can be funded

The application deadline is April 30, 2017. PreK grant awards will be made by May 12, 2017.

For more information, contact Maine DOE PreK grant manager, Deb Lajoie at Deborah.j.Lajoie@maine.gov or call 207-624-6613

Maine DOE Reporting Calendar replaced by new Data, Collections & Reporting (DC&R) System

As a reminder, as of April 1^st the Maine Department of Education has officially replaced the Maine DOE Reporting Calendar with the Data, Collections & Reporting (DC&R) DC&R calendar in NEO. This module will be a one-stop shop for all organizations to go to see what report is required and when, and to get the most up to date version of a form.

Maine DOE Staff have been submitting reports to be loaded to the module with information on when the report is due, instructions and links for completing the reports, as well as contact information from within the Department. Districts and the public can now see reports that are due and past due, if applicable. There is an indicator as to whether or not submitting the report has an impact on funding as well as a tab for “As Needed” reports, such as IEP forms, etc. where districts can have access to the most up to date forms they need in one place. The Helpdesk is currently in process of loading all Department reports. Going forward, Districts will only be required to complete reports that are in DC&R.

For more information contact the Data Systems Helpdesk at (207) 624-6896 or medms.helpdesk@maine.gov.

CTE Diploma Pathway in law

New Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways to Graduation through PL 489, “An Act To Implement Certain Recommendations of the Maine Proficiency Education Council”

The Maine Department of Education is excited to outline some of the multiple pathways to earning a proficiency-based diploma that involve CTE enabled by Public Law Chapter 489, “An Act Implement Certain Recommendations of the Maine Proficiency Education Council,” signed into law by the Governor in April 2016. The new statute can be found in MRSA 20-A, §4722-A. The Maine DOE is currently engaged in rule-making to outline the parameters for these multiple pathways to graduation.

In addition to demonstrating proficiency in all content areas of the Maine Learning Results, other pathways have been identified through which Maine students may earn a proficiency-based diploma:

Satisfactory Completion of a State-approved CTE Program and Met 3rd Party-verified National or State Industry Standards

Satisfactorily completing a state-approved CTE program and meeting 3^rd party-verified national or state industry standards are of equal value to evidence of proficiency in a content areas of the system of learning results which contributes to the meeting the diploma requirements per the phase-in timeline pursuant to MRSA 20-A §4722-A (3)(B-2).

CTE and Content Intersections Process

State-approved CTE instructors and content area instructors from sending high schools may identify points of intersection where students can simultaneously demonstrate proficiency in high school content area reporting standards and proficiency in each guiding principle of the system of learning results while demonstrating proficiency in 3^rd-party verified national and state industry standards pursuant to MRSA 20-A §8306 (B).

Instruction in Content Areas of the System of Learning Results at the CTE Center or Region

When scheduling conflicts or time restraints create an impediment to both the student’s opportunity to learn the content areas of the system of learning results and the opportunity to learn a state-approved CTE program of study, students are provided the opportunity to learn and demonstrate proficiency in the content areas of the system of learning results by teachers certified to teach in the content areas of the system of learning results at the state-approved CTE center or region.

Dual-enrollment CTE Programs Pursuant to MRSA 20-A Chapter 229

A non-duplicative learning pathway for a specific career and technical education program that provides secondary school students with the opportunity to take postsecondary education courses and earn credits toward an associate degree while participating in a career and technical education program that:

Learning Pathways; Articulation Agreements with Postsecondary Institutions; Collaborative Agreements

Pursuant to MRSA 20-A §8306-B(4), to the greatest extent possible, a career and technical education program offered at a center or region must provide students the opportunity to take advantage of any applicable learning pathways, including learning pathways set forth in an articulation agreement with a postsecondary institution or in a collaborative agreement with publicly supported secondary and postsecondary educational institutions that form a dual enrollment career and technical education program pursuant to MRSA 20-A §6972.

The Department is looking forward to the additional pathways students will be able to pursue, most notably through career and technical education, toward earning a proficiency-based high school diploma. For more information regarding Career and Technical Education contact Maine DOE Career and Technical Education Director, Meg Harvey, at 624-6739 or email margaret.harvey@maine.gov. For more information regarding proficiency-based learning and proficiency-based diplomas contact Maine DOE Proficiency-based Education Specialist, Diana Doiron, at 624-6823 or email diana.doiron@maine.gov.

Nominations open for Maine’s 2017 Curriculum Leader of the Year

The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association (MCLA) is seeking nominations for Maine’s 2017 Curriculum Leader of the Year through April 14.

The Curriculum Leader of the Year is someone who has successfully served as a curriculum leader (designated curriculum director, assistant superintendent or teacher leader) in public education for at least five years; is a proven champion of curriculum, instruction and assessment policies and practices that enhance learning both within and outside the district; promotes and provides opportunities to learn and to share learning; and develops partnerships and networks with other districts and organizations to support learning.

The Curriculum Leader of the Year is selected by previous awardees and by MCLA’s board of directors. Finalists will be invited to provide the selection committee with additional information. The 2017 Curriculum Leader of the Year will be named in June.

More information is available on MCLA’s web page or contact Heidi McGinley Executive Director, Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association at director@mainecla.org.

New Online System for Certification Available Soon

The Certification Team at the Department of Education is in the process of building an online portal for a new web-based credentialing system through Hupp Technologies. The system will be fully operational by the July 1^st teacher, educational specialist and administrator renewal expiration date.

One of the system’s highlights is the effortlessness teachers will have in creating an account, receiving notification that a renewal is waiting, and paying the renewal fee online. Other features include notifications for the teacher’s support system when a teacher is waiting for recommendation, and the ease of a chairperson to simply click ‘recommend’ to recommend the teacher for renewal. Thereafter, the certificate will automatically renew. Please note that training will be available soon.

The Certification Team is very excited to get the new system up and running. Although the adjustment period may present some anxiety, please be assured that no one will be left hanging. Allowances will be made if the system goes up later than expected and rules state that if a certificate is held up for any reason beyond the teachers’ control, then the previously held certificate is still valid.

For more information contact Ángel Martínez Loredo at 207-624-6603 or email cert.doe@maine.gov.

Webinar about Maine: 2017 ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Score Changes

Maine: 2017 ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Score Changes Webinar
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Event address for attendees

During the webinar WIDA will discuss the anticipated ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 score changes.

In 2017, you may notice a change to your students’ ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 proficiency level scores: some students’ scores may go down; and fewer students may exit program support.

Earlier this month, WIDA held webinars detailing expected changes to ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 scores in 2017, to explain the reasons for anticipated changes in students’ scores as well as suggestions for how to communicate with students and families, other educators, and administrators about how it might impact them. These two webinars were recorded and posted to the WIDA website.

During the March 29^th webinar, WIDA will briefly summarize the key information shared on these earlier webinars. Participants in the March 29, 2017, webinar will have ample opportunity to ask questions of either WIDA or their state representative(s). The Maine March 29, 2017, webinar will also be recorded and posted on https://www.wida.us/membership/states/Maine.aspx

For more information about the score changes visit https://www.wida.us/Assessment/ACCESS%202.0/proficiency.aspx

Direct questions about educational or English language acquisition services for English learners to ESL/Bilingual Programs, Nancy Mullins at nancy.mullins@maine.gov (207) 624-6788.

Maine DOE seeks peer reviewers for 21st CCLC grant proposals

The Maine Department of Education is seeking qualified peer reviewers to read, assess and score competitive grant proposals for the 21^st Century Community Leaning Centers (21^st CCLC) Program. This federally-funded grant program provides opportunities for schools and communities to develop “community learning centers” that serve children and youth during out-of-school time. Maine currently has 34 current grant-funded 21^st CCLC programs operating 59 individual centers in communities across the state. Grant proposals for the 21^st CCLC program will be evaluated through a formal peer review process, which will ensure that quality applications are selected for funding.

This year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 21^st CCLC program was released to the public on February 21 and is available online at: https://www.4pcamaine.org/century21/FY2017/. The Department anticipates receiving applications for new, expansion, and continuation awards as a result of this competition.

Qualifications:

The most qualified reviewers will be individuals who are familiar and have experience with high-quality youth programs in schools and communities. Examples of the experienced individuals sought include, but are not limited to:

Experts in expanded-learning opportunities
Teachers and principals
College and university faculty
Community educators
Community service providers
Staff from faith-based organizations
Staff from foundations and charitable organizations

Required Tasks:

Selected peer reviewers will work individually to read each assigned application and create detailed, objective, constructive, and well-written comments on approximately 10-15 applications on the basis of the criteria established in the RFP. These comments will be turned in to the Department prior to participating in on-site consensus scoring sessions. Reviewers must be able to participate in an online training webinar and review grant applications through a web-based system. It is anticipated that peer reviewers will have a two (2) week window in which to complete their individual review of assigned applications. Following the individual review of applications, each peer reviewer will be required to travel to the Maine Department of Education for two scheduled scoring days. It is during these consensus scoring sessions that each peer reviewer will work with the other members of the peer review team to score each application.

Selected peer reviewers must complete the following tasks during the following date(s):

Task	Date(s)
Participate in an online training webinar	April 25, 2017
Review grant applications through a web-based system and provide individual, written comments on each application (which MUST be turned in to the Department)	May 5, 2017 – May 19, 2016
Participate in on-site consensus scoring sessions which will be located at the Maine Department of Education in Augusta, ME	May 23 – 24, 2016

Compensation for Services: Peer reviewers who complete the required tasks will be reimbursed for travel costs to and from the consensus scoring sessions as well as provided a $75 honorarium per assigned application review, up to a maximum of 15 applications.

Previous peer reviewers have found that serving as a member of the peer review team is an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth. It is likely that, if selected, reviewers will be exposed to new program models, strategies, and practices. These new concepts may provide ideas and support for ongoing work in the field as well as future grant writing efforts. Most importantly, the time given to this effort will be of great benefit the children of Maine.

How to Apply: A peer reviewer application is available by contacting Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov. The Maine Department of Education will accept applications and resumes on a rolling basis until the needed positions are filled.

Pursuant to Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, peer reviewers may not include any applicant, or representative of an applicant, that has or will be submitting a proposal in response to the current competition.

Deadline:

All interested parties must submit a completed peer reviewer application and current resume or CV by April 12, 2017.

Contact: For more information, contact Federal Grant Coordinator, Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov or 624-6709.0%

Maine DOE kicks off 2nd Annual Farm to School Cook-off

The Maine Department of Education is holding its 2^nd annual Maine Farm to School Cook-off this month. The cook-off showcases the skills of local school food service staff, while promoting locally grown products in school meals.

School food service teams representing Falmouth, Yarmouth, RSU 14 – Windham/Raymond, Lewiston, RSU 52 – Turner, and RSU 54 – Skowhegan, will be participating in the event this year.

Last year’s participants were from Lewiston Public Schools, RSU 38 – Maranacook, Portland Public Schools, and RSU 61 – Lakes Region Schools, with the winning team from Five Town CSD/MSAD 28 & RSU 13 –Rockport, Camden, Rockland and surrounding towns.

For the competition, each team must prepare a breakfast and lunch meal within a specific time frame using at least two ingredients that are grown, raised, caught, or manufactured in the State of Maine and meet National School Breakfast and Lunch Program requirements as well as one USDA food. As an added twist Maine wild blueberries and Maine potatoes will be used as “challenge” ingredients in the competition. All recipes will later be shared in a Maine farm to school cook-off recipe book.

This year, the regional cook-offs will be held on the March 27 at the Westbrook Regional Vocational Center and on March 31 at the Capital Area Technical Center in Augusta.

The final cook-off on April 26th will be held at the Freeport High School’s newly renovated kitchen and dining area.

Westbrook and Augusta CTE centers are returning hosts for the cook-off, while Freeport High School joins in for the first time. The locations were chosen as cook-off sites for their well-equipped kitchens and cooking and presentation areas.

A panel of judges for the two regional cook-offs will consist of a CTE culinary arts student, school nutrition director, and professional chef. The dishes will be scored based on presentation, taste, creativity, and feasibility to be used in a school breakfast or lunch program. Other criteria will include food safety and time management.

Judges for the final event will include a Freeport High School student, a school nutrition director and a professional chef. The winning team will be awarded a plaque and have the opportunity to be spokespeople for the second annual cook off in 2018.

The cook-off is part of the State’s child nutrition projects and follows legislation to support healthy meals in schools. For more information on Maine’s Local Foods to Local Schools program, visit www.maine.gov/doe/nutrition/programs/localfoods/.

Members of the media are welcome to attend any the events. We ask that you confirm you are coming ahead of time by contacting Rachel Paling at rachel.paling@maine.gov or call 624-6747.

Learning Technology Grants Program Announced

The Department is announcing an evolution to our support of technology in public middle schools and high schools. Beginning July 1, 2017, MLTI Grants will be available to public middle schools and high schools to fund technology and support for 7^th and 8^th grade students and staff, and for staff in high schools with locally-funded student programs.

The grants will support programs that use technology to enhance teaching and learning in eligible schools and grades. The grant program takes the place of an “opt-in” to the programs offered in the past 3 years by HP and Apple, under a contract with the State.

Schools will apply to the Department of Education with a brief description of their proposed education technology programs, and a budget for the period of the grant.

The amount of the grant is up to $200 per eligible student or staff seat, each year, for up to 3 years. The length of the grant and the amount per seat will be based on the school’s proposed program and budget.

The grants provide flexibility to schools, but maintain some requirements designed to continue the basic structure of the current MLTI program. Any program funded by a grant must provide a personal digital computing device for each student, and must include professional development to support teachers’ use of technology to enhance student learning.

Further details for the grant program, including the application and the deadline for application submittal, will be provided as they are developed and posted on the MLTI website at http://maine.gov/doe/mlti/participation/index.html . MLTI programs in schools that opted in to HP or Apple solutions in 2014, 2015 or 2016 will continue as is, and are not affected by the grant program.

For additional information, contact the MLTI Office at mlti.project@maine.gov or call Deb Friedman, MLTI Project Manager at 624-6834.

Free computer science training opportunities available through Project>Login & MMSA

Project>Login mission is to engage Maine K-12 schools and provide support for Computer Science education. They recently became a regional partner, along with Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, for Code.org. As a result of this partnership, they are able to provide high quality professional development to educators interested in Computer Science education for free.

They are currently offering a professional learning program for middle and high school teachers which includes :

TeacherCon, a five-day summer training in Philadelphia taking place July 30 – August 4, 2017, which will fully prepare teachers to utilize Code.org curriculum and teacher supports. Code.org provides airfare, lodging, and meals during the conference, and teachers will receive a gift card to cover incidentals.
Four, one-day local workshops during the school year (normally on Saturdays), during which teachers will join other teachers from Maine for ongoing training and just-in-time support.

Learn more about the program and apply here:
http://www.projectlogin.com/education/code-org-partnership