Maine high schools blaze redesign trail

Four Maine high schools share their experiences reshaping the student experience at a regional conference.

By Mark Kostin

Students, teachers, administrators, school board members and others from across New England are interested in reshaping the high school student experience.

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Freeport teacher uses laptops to teach deeper

Maine Learning Technology Initiative allows algebra teacher to develop curriculum without textbooks.

FREEPORT — Alex Briasco-Brin has never taught using a textbook.

Article image: Freeport Middle School algebra teacher Alex Briasco-Brin works with a student.
Freeport Middle School algebra teacher Alex Briasco-Brin works with a student.

Instead, the Freeport Middle School algebra teacher has created a variety of applications for his students using the Apple MacBooks they all receive as part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative.

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Brewer students try to connect with First Lady

Students at Washington Street School connect virtually with students from across the country to learn from each other, try to convince Michelle Obama to speak with them.

The students in Cherrie MacInnes’ third-grade class at Brewer’s Washington Street School last year managed to video-conference with fellow students in all 50 states, former First Lady Barbara Bush and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

This year, MacInnes’ students are trying to convince First Lady Michelle Obama to have a conversation with them using the online conferencing tool Skype.

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Lewiston teacher claims $25,000 award

Kristie Clark receives her prize after winning the Milken Educator Award.

A second-grade teacher from Lewiston’s Montello Elementary School is $25,000 richer after a recent three-day trip to California.

Kristie Clark claimed her $25,000 Milken Educator Award on April 9 during a ceremony at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif.

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Massabesic Middle adjusts to standards-based model

Standards-based education allows Massabesic Middle School students control over the way they learn and how fast they do it.

EAST WATERBORO — The seventh-grade students at Massabesic Middle School are busy learning about revolutions. The topic has one definition in social studies class, another meaning in science, and another in English.

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Humvee restoration specialists turn focus to school buses

The Maine Military Authority wants to use its Loring Air Force Base facility to save school districts money by extending the life span of their school buses.

LIMESTONE — Lenny Goff might just have figured out how he can keep his school district’s 48-bus fleet up to date and safe without breaking the bank.

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Houlton creates culture of reading, high expectations

Houlton Elementary School’s Reading First grant has helped the school transform into a community with high expectations for every student.

HOULTON — Students are surrounded by literacy the moment they enter Houlton Elementary School. They have no choice.

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