Category: Newsroom Articles

Continuous improvement in RSU 16

Maine DOE’s Center for Best Practice has released its latest case study, Sustained Change, Continuous Improvement, focusing on the transformational efforts of Regional School Unit 16 (Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland).

This is the sixth of a series of case studies researched and written by the Maine DOE, looking at school districts attempting to implement fundamental changes around proficiency-based education and learner-centered systems. Informed by the Maine DOE strategic plan, Education Evolving: Maine’s Plan For Putting Learners First, these case studies serve as resources for districts implementing proficiency-based diploma policies. Continue reading “Continuous improvement in RSU 16” →

Educators encouraged to attend Common Core and IEP goal-writing training

The Maine DOE Office of Special Services is offering regional professional development sessions in evidence-based practices this fall. In addition to ongoing technical assistance, the Department will be providing professional development to each of the nine superintendent regions regarding the instructional usage and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal alignment of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts and mathematics for children with disabilities. General and special educators are invited to attend.

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Request funding for National Board Certified Teacher Scholarship

A school administrative unit or a publicly-supported secondary school may request funding from the National Board Certification Scholarship Fund on behalf of teachers who meet the requirements. This fund encourages teachers to apply to and enroll in the certification program offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or its successor organization.

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Changes to National Board Certified Teacher Salary Supplement

Recent legislative changes to the Salary Supplement for Teachers who have attained National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification are now in effect. Eligible teachers now include a public school teacher or a teacher in a publicly-supported secondary school who has attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or its successor organization. The amount of the salary supplement for fiscal year 2013-14 is $2,750, unless proration is necessary.

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Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 13, Qualifying Examinations for Teachers, Educational Specialists and Administrators

The revised Rule for Qualifying Examinations for Teachers, Educational Specialists and Administrators, Chapter 13, is now effective.

The changes to Chapter 13 stem from the regular regeneration (revision) process employed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Each Praxis exam undergoes regeneration every five years. ETS conducts a multi-state standard setting study designed to assemble two separate groups of current practitioners who work for two to three days to review the validity and reliability of the test being regenerated.  Continue reading “Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 13, Qualifying Examinations for Teachers, Educational Specialists and Administrators” →

Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 61, Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects

The revised Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects, Chapter 61, have been filed with the Secretary of State and will go into effect on Aug. 17.

Chapter 61 governs the expenditure of millions of Maine taxpayers’ dollars in support of safe and effective schools that support the demands of 21st century education. Extensive needs for improved education facilities across the State make it imperative that the rules be kept clear, current and supportive of the State’s education goals.  Continue reading “Rule Change Adoption: Chapter 61, Rules for Major Capital School Construction Projects” →

All districts and schools must train staff in Global Harmonization System

Department of Labor responds to federal mandate with free online training video

AUGUSTA – All employees in the state of Maine—in both the private and public sectors—must be trained in the federal Occupation Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) new Global Harmonization System Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) by Dec. 1. As part of this federal mandate, schools and districts are responsible for training their staff on GHS and must be able to demonstrate compliance upon inspection.

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Restraint and Seclusion updates available

Non-regulatory guidance

The Department has posted non-regulatory guidance to help schools and other covered educational programs understand the requirements and limitations contained in Rule Chapter 33: Rule Governing Physical Restraint and Seclusion. The guidance document, which is available online, provides information about the rule, describes student behavior scenarios and analyzes potential responses to those scenarios, and provides links to additional resources including tools for managing student behavior.

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New pest management requirements for schools

The State of Maine has revised its integrated pest management (IPM) and pesticide regulations pertaining to all public and private schools serving any grades kindergarten through 12.  These changes were made to improve communication and provide training and tools for IPM coordinators. There are three important changes.  Continue reading “New pest management requirements for schools” →