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. This resource was developed in collaboration with the Education Policy Improvement Center (EPIC) and Maine DOE staff and was vetted by Maine educators in August.

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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. I wasn’t satisfied with my students’ writing. So I learned a new way to teach it. The article appeared in the October 24-25 edition of the Bangor Daily News.

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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).

Chapter 23: The Department is repealing the original regulation of 1979. This proposal replaces the original regulation and reflects that the collection of staff information is to be done within the data collection systems rather than via forms, and will include authorized and approved personnel (in addition to certified) paid by local school systems and private schools.

Chapter 176: This rule sets forth the process whereby the Child Development Services (CDS) State Intermediate Educational Unit (SIEU) establishes a roster of independent contractors for the provision of evaluations for children with disabilities from birth to age five, early intervention services for children with disabilities from birth to age two, and special education and related services for children with disabilities age three to five; and ensures the provision of services in accordance with the contracts developed with independent contractors selected from the roster. A public hearing for this proposed rule is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 1 – 2:30 p.m. in room 600 of the Cross State Office Building in Augusta.

Proposed rules and rule changes can be found here on the Department’s website. Any questions about these rulemakings can be addressed by the Department’s Jaci Holmes at 624-6669.

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. In an effort to enhance Maine Native American Studies lessons, the Secretary of State sponsors an essay contest in which middle and high school students explore at least one aspect of Maine Native American history and then write an essay on their findings.

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Students recognize National School Bus Safety Week

Students and schools across the nation are recognizing 2015 National School Bus Safety Week Oct. 19-23. The theme for this year’s safety week is “Be Smart – Be Seen, I wait in a safe place!” In Maine, the safety week program culminates with a poster contest award ceremony and tea at the Blaine House for students and their families.

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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. The day was filled with student performances, celebrations, presentations, networking and workshops, conversations, questions, and wonderings. From the opening music performance by Camden Hills Regional High School Jazz Band under the direction of Nancy Rowe to the closing session with a theatre performance of selections from the Addams Family under the direction of Kim Murphy, the day was educational, energizing, and filled with surprises!

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