Earlier this month, the Maine DOE in collaboration with the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) convened the fourth meeting of the Maine Governor’s Academy for STEM Education Leadership. This is the second and final year of the cohort, which includes 24 teacher leaders from across the state. Continue reading “Governor’s Academy advances STEM teacher leadership”
Category: Newsroom Articles
Districts share progress on educator evaluation implementation
In October, the Maine DOE’s Educator Effectiveness Coordinator sent out a survey to assess the status of performance evaluation and professional growth (PE/PG) system implementation across the state. The Department was encouraged to receive responses from about half of the school administrative units (SAUs) in the state, representing all superintendent regions. Continue reading “Districts share progress on educator evaluation implementation”
Notice of proposed rule changes to Chapter 115
On Sept. 15, 2012, Rule Chapter 114 (“Purpose, Standards and Procedures for the Review and Approval of Educational Personnel Preparation Programs”) underwent changes. Among the approved amendments included the addition of a course in special education law to administrative certificates already requiring federal and Maine civil rights and education law. Accordingly, Chapter 115, Part II, must now be opened to revise the corresponding certification rules. Continue reading “Notice of proposed rule changes to Chapter 115”
Revisions to federal grant reimbursement system
Subrecipients were notified that starting Sept. 1, 2013 reimbursements will be subject to during-the-award monitoring through the federal grant reimbursement system. This monitoring consists of uploading supporting documentation with invoices to provide evidence that the request for reimbursement is a reimbursement and is allocable, allowable, and reasonable and necessary under the federal grant award. Continue reading “Revisions to federal grant reimbursement system”
Request purchase of new schools buses by Nov. 25
Each year, new school bus purchase applications open on Nov. 1 and close on Nov. 25. The due date and instructions are found here on the Maine DOE Reporting Calendar.
On Nov. 1, the Department in collaboration with the Office of Information Technology launched the first design phase of a new school transportation data system called NEO Transportation. During this first design phase public school districts submit their requests for approval to purchase new school buses. Continue reading “Request purchase of new schools buses by Nov. 25”
Maine DOE’s Jeff Mao honored for technology leadership
Jeff Mao, the Maine DOE’s learning technology policy director, was recently named leader of the year at the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Leadership Summit banquet.
Continue reading “Maine DOE’s Jeff Mao honored for technology leadership”
Clarification on advance submission of parent concerns for IEP team meetings
The U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) was recently asked to review one of Maine’s school administrative unit’s (SAU’s) policies that required parents to submit parent-obtained evaluations and written statements of parent concerns at least three days prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting in order for them to be considered at the meeting.
Continue reading “Clarification on advance submission of parent concerns for IEP team meetings”
Maine STEM Council names inaugural executive director
Dr. Thomas E. Keller has recently been appointed executive director of the Maine STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Council. The council was established by the Legislature in 2011 to “develop strategies for enhancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education from prekindergarten through postsecondary education.” The council mandate also includes linking these STEM education strategies to those for workforce development in STEM fields.
Continue reading “Maine STEM Council names inaugural executive director”
Arts education “leads way” at statewide conference
More than 200 visual and performing arts educators attended the biennial statewide conference, Arts Education: Leading the Way, held at the University of Maine in October. The Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI), established by the Maine DOE in 2011, enlisted its teacher leaders to present 35 professional development workshops at this event.
Continue reading “Arts education “leads way” at statewide conference”
Maine students invited to enter Verizon STEM challenge
Maine middle and high school students can compete to win $20,000 for their school and the latest Samsung tablet as part of an innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) challenge from Verizon.
The Verizon Innovative App Challenge was first launched in 2012 as a collaborative competition to encourage students’ interest in STEM. Verizon believes student achievement in STEM is critical to U.S. economic growth and competitiveness on the global stage. Continue reading “Maine students invited to enter Verizon STEM challenge”
Maine DOE Newsroom 