Schools across Maine voluntarily began participating in the field test of the Smarter Balanced assessments in grades 3-8 and 11 this week. Smarter Balanced assessments are a key part of implementing Maine’s college and career readiness standards and preparing all students for success beyond high school.
Continue reading “Maine schools participating in field test for next generation of assessments”
March 19 marked the 19th annual Kick Butts Day, a nationwide celebration of youth leadership and activism combating tobacco use.
Over 1,400 events took place across the country in cooperation with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, including in Maine where 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool programs stepped-up to help youth educate their peers and communities about the harmfulness of tobacco and the industry’s marketing practices.
The Maine DOE has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids to establish or extend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) in 2014-15.
Continue reading “RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers”
Under Maine’s system of learning results, each student is required to study and achieve proficiency in the eight content areas, including health, physical education and wellness. In addition to State requirements, federal regulation implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that states follow 34 CFR 300.108 Physical Education.
Continue reading “Providing physical education for children with disabilities”
AUGUSTA – Arts educators were recognized at the Maine State House Wednesday as part of Maine’s annual celebration of Arts Education Day.
Each year the Maine Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE), an affiliate of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recognizes educational leaders who have made a significant difference in the lives of young people through arts education.
Continue reading “Arts educators recognized at State House celebration”
The Maine DOE has received informal guidance from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) regarding whether a school administrative unit (SAU) may use electronic mail to provide parents with their child’s individualized education programs (IEPs) and related documentation, such as progress reports. If the parent and the SAU agree to the use of email for this purpose and the SAU takes the steps necessary to protect the integrity of the process, emailing IEPs and related documents to parents is allowed.
The attached letter provides the complete text of OSEP’s guidance on this matter.
If you have any questions, please contact Maine DOE Office of Special Services Director Jan Breton at janice.breton@maine.gov.
A sample of Maine schools with eighth-grade students recently participated in the Technology and Engineering Literacy Assessment (TEL), as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
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As part of its commitment to ensuring great teachers and leaders in all Maine schools, the Maine DOE endorsed, in 2012, professional practice standards that set the benchmarks for teacher and principal effectiveness and pre-approved certain professional practice models for use in Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PE/PG) systems.
Continue reading “Maine DOE approves Marshall Teacher Evaluation Rubrics”
Last fall, the Maine DOE distributed $2 million to school administrative units (SAUs) to support their transition to a proficiency-based diploma. In the months since, the Department has received inquiries related to the use of these targeted transition funds in K-8 schools.
Continue reading “Using targeted transition funds in K-8 schools”
Kevin Facer has joined the Maine DOE as its Visual and Performing Arts Specialist. In his new role, Facer will support districts in their implementation of best practices in visual and performing arts education, participate in the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative and serve as the regional representative for Washington and Hancock Counties.
