Category: News & Views

NEO Accountability Report and Certification Webinar Recording and FAQ

The Maine Department of Education held a webinar on June 21 to Review the NEO Accountability Report and certification requirements. The recording is available for anyone who was unable to participate in the webinar.

The NEO Accountability Report allows districts to validate student enrollment and demographic data.  The report lists students by student groups which will directly inform student group reporting as part of school support determinations and ESEA Report Cards.  The report also identifies which assessments the students should have taken, full academic year enrollment for all students, and whether or not a student will be included for accountability measures or only for assessment reporting.

The Accountability Certification will need to be submitted by each Superintendent. Once validated, the data will be used for ESEA Report Cards and other assessment and accountability reporting.

NEO Accountability Report and Certification Webinar Recording (you will need to register for GoTo Webinar to view the recording)

Accountability Webinar Questions and Follow-Up FAQs

  1. My school is an SPPS (Special Purpose Private School). NEO also shows “no data” for this report
    • SPPS are not factored in the accountability model. However, the fact that data doesn’t show for your school is an error in NEO that will be corrected. Student data should show for your schools so you can validate that the information is correct. The report developers have been notified.
  2. As a SPPS, does my superintendent need to verify this report?
    • No
  3. What were the asterisks vs the blanks for on the Student Detail?
    • Asterisks indicate the assessment(s) that the student should have taken. A blank indicates that the student did not need to take any of the assessments.
  4. If something is not right, who do we contact?
    • If the data is related to student demographics or enrollments, please first validate that the information is correct in Synergy. If the data is correct in Synergy, please contact the Helpdesk – MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov 207-624-6896 or contact Charlotte.Ellis@maine.gov 207-624-6696
  5. My accountability certification report is blank, but I can see kids in the detail report. Is this because I don’t do the certification? Or is there something else I need to do?
    • This was an error that has been corrected.
  6. Who certifies?
    • Superintendent
  7. Our schools are each their own district because we are an AOS. I have some kids who are marked N for full year district and a Y for full year school. They should be the same for each district and school in our case since our schools are their own districts. how do I fix this?
    • Please review the enrollment data in Synergy. It is possible for a student to attend one of your schools for the full year, but whose resident district has changed, so the district full academic year would not be Y, but the school full academic year would be Y.
  8. What is a schoolwide program?
    • Schoolwide program is a type of Title 1 program. For further information please contact Dan Weeks at: Daniel.R.Weeks@maine.gov or (207) 624-6749.
  9. What about those that are tagged Y but are AFS students?
    • AFS (Foreign exchange) students are not treated any differently than other high school students.
  10. What if the students take their entire program at a vocational center?
    • The sending school/district is still responsible to see that the student takes the appropriate assessments.
  11. Can you explain where the numbers are coming from on the bottom? Such as Title 1
    • Title 1 numbers have two sources.
      • If the school has a schoolwide Title 1 program, then all of the students are flagged with Title1ELA and Title1Math.
      • If the school does not have a schoolwide Title 1 program, but rather a targeted assistance program, then the flags come from data entered into Synergy.
  12. We are a school wide, but the numbers are not matching the number of students above.
    • Please recheck the numbers. There was an error in the report earlier that has been fixed. If there are still issues, please contact Charlotte.Ellis@maine.gov 207-624-6696.
  13. Are Special Purpose Private Schools responsible for entering and checking this data for their students or is this a requirement for the public schools only?
    • SPPS should review the data (if the report has been fixed so you can see it) to validate that student grade levels and enrollments are entered correctly.
  14. Where can I get the recorded version?
  15. We have a student that was enrolled the entire year, but is showing N in both District and School Full Year columns.
    • Students are considered to be school full year if they are enrolled on October 1 and May 4 at the same school.
    • Students are considered to be district full year if the same district is responsible for the student on October 1 and May 4.
    • October EPS enrollment data is utilized to determine the October 1 status, if enrollments were entered after October EPS was closed (even if they cover the October 1 date), then the student isn’t counted as Full Academic Year.
  16. What does the E mean in the ELA Assessment column?
    • The “E” indicates Exempt.
      • EL students who arrived at a US school between April 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018 and who took the ACCESS for ELLs assessment are exempt from having to take the ELA assessment
      • EL students who arrive at a US school between March 1, 2018 and May 4, 2018 are exempt from having to take the ELA assessment
  17. We have students with “waivers” who shouldn’t be on the list
    • The only “waivers” that the Department recognizes are
      • the EL exemption – see question 16
      • special considerations – these students will have an S in the column for the assessment(s) for which the special consideration was granted
    • Students whose parents requested that the student not test will be counted as Non-Participants – there is no waiver for these students

For further questions contact Charlotte Ellis, Data Manager at Charlotte.Ellis@maine.gov.

MeCAS Test Dates for 2018-2019 School Year Are Now Available

This announcement is intended to assist students, parents, schools and districts as they plan their school and district calendars for the 2018-2019 school year.

Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MeCAS) test dates for the 2018-2019 school year are now available on the Maine Department of Education’s website under Assessment Dates. 

The MeCAS consists of Maine’s Educational Assessments (MEA) and the national and international assessments administered in Maine.  The MEAs are annual measurements of students’ knowledge and skills in mathematics, English/language arts, science, and English language proficiency.  The national and international assessments include annual and biennial measurements of student achievement over time in Maine,  the United States and other countries.

To learn more about the MeCAS on the Department’s website, or contact Eric Buckhalter at eric.buckhalter@maine.gov or Andrew Hudacs at andrew.hudacs@maine.gov.

Math4ME Accomplishments and Update

The Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services is pleased to report the accomplishments of the Math4Maine (Math4ME) project, and announce plans for scaling up. Currently, the initiative is concluding the second year of implementation and planning for year-3.

Maine’s State Systematic Improvement plan, a requirement of the federal Office of Special Programs, Math4ME is designed to implement evidence-based professional development to improve math proficiency of students with disabilities in grades 3-8 and to improve instructional practices of teachers of these students.

Math4ME training is grounded in hands-on activities and interactive professional learning experiences that allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of core concepts of mathematics and strategies. Program content includes operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals, and algebraic and geometric reasoning; problem solving skills and processes; and assessment, diagnostic probes, and formative feedback.

The Maine DOE developed a 5-day training module that includes a 3-day summer training and 2 training days during the school year. Throughout the year, teachers receive support from the Department, differentiated according to teacher experience in the program. All teachers receive support cycles, which include classroom observation and written feedback. In addition, participants have access to many resources, including a Math4ME Informational Padlet Website and a monthly newsletter.

Over the last two years, the project has trained two cohorts that comprise 34 teachers, 1 teacher mentor, and 3 district math coaches. These participants represent 17 schools from 7 School Administrative Units (SAUs).  To date, findings on the effectiveness of Math4ME on student and teacher performance has been positive. Year-1 student data shows that students taught by a Math4ME-trained teacher performed better on the Maine Education Assessment for math compared to students who were not taught by Math4ME trained teachers. In addition, teacher surveys and evaluation results indicate that the training has had a positive impact on teachers’ knowledge and equipped them with multiple ways to represent mathematical ideas.

Math4MEFeedback from Math4ME participants and an administrator include:

“The Math4ME work has allowed me to view math in a whole new way. I find that I am less focused on a student’s ability to solve a problem correctly and more focused on understanding and exploring that student’s decision making process in solving the problem. This allows students to understand and appreciate the work they do in class, as well as give them the real-world skills they will need in the future. It has also helped me to evolve as a teacher, to take a step back and ask myself what I want students to get out of a lesson. I would highly recommend the Math4ME program to all. – Shannon Wooten, Teacher, Greene Central School

“Math4ME has trained me how to strategically question students in order to get them thinking mathematically.  Math4ME training and resources provide the insight teachers need to encourage mathematical behaviors such as logical thinking, testing conjectures, and meaningful reflection while problem solving.” – Bridgette Ortiz, Teacher, Bowdoinham Community School

“The feedback from my teachers has been extremely positive. They love having the coach come into their classroom to observe and offer feedback. The rich 1-on-1 discussions about their mathematical teaching practices that followed the lessons were some of the best professional development they have ever experienced.” – Danielle Harris, Principal, Leeds Central School

A Cohort 3 training is scheduled for August with teachers and coaches from returning schools as well as participants from three new schools from two SAUs. The Office of Special Services will continue to support scale up of Math4ME by building the infrastructure and capacity needed to improve math proficiency for Maine children with disabilities and improve the instructional practices of their teachers.

For more information, please contact Jayne Chase (jayne.chase@maine.gov) or Cheryl Tobey (cheryl.tobey@maine.gov).

Seeking comments for proposed Rule Chapter 13: Qualifying Examinations for Teachers, Educational Specialists and Administrators

Rulemaking for Chapter 13: Qualifying Examinations for Teacher, Educational Specialists and Administrators been filed as a proposed routine technical rule. A hearing date and comment period have been scheduled. The proposed rule has been posted on the Proposed Rule web page of the Maine DOE website. Proposed rules can be found in order of chapter number.

Purpose of the rule revision: This rule outlines passing scores on Education Testing Service (ETS) tests necessary for professional educator certification. Proposed changes include updated test numbers to align with ETS changes and revised language to align recently passed Chapter 115 changes that go into effect July 14, 2018.

Hearing Date: July 16, 2018 at 10:00 – 11:00 AM Room 500 of the Cross State Office Building, 111 Sewell Street, Augusta, Maine.

Comment period: ends on July 30, 2018.

Comments may be submitted in person at the time of the scheduled hearing or in writing via email to Jaci Holmes at jaci.holmes@maine.gov.

RSU 2 Coordinator of Student Achievement Named Maine’s 2018 Curriculum Leader of the Year

RSU 2 Coordinator of Student Achievement, Matthew Shea has been named Maine’s 2018 Curriculum Leader of the Year. Shea was nominated by his Superintendent, Bill Zima and curriculum leaders outside his district. Zima calls him, “one of the best administrators I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”

Shea’s curriculum colleagues admire his passionate advocacy for personalized learning and his commitment to help other educators learn. He frequently leads learning opportunities across Maine and nationally.

He and RSU 2 Instructional Coach Courtney Belolan host the nationally-recognized podcast, “Personalized Learning with Matt and Courtney,” described as “engaging, hilarious, and thought-provoking” by listeners.

Read more about Matthew Shea on MCLA’s home page.

For further questions contact The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association at director@mainecla.org.

 

Maine DOE Switching to a New Website

The Maine Department of Education will be switching to a new website over the course of the summer months. It is expected that the new website will be live and functioning in the month of August.

The new website will replace the current website found at maine.gov/doe and will have a similar look and feel. Changes include an improved menu structure, a better search function, a more user-friendly interface, and a content management system which will allow the Department to keep content updated in a timelier fashion.

Please note that in making this switch, some of the current links may change. Those who have bookmarked links to the Department’s website may need resave their bookmarks when the new website is released. During the transition, the Department will make every effort to maintain open lines of communication to ensure that the field can find information on the new website. In addition, the A to Z index will in remain in place as an added tool for finding information.

For further questions, please contact Maine DOE Communications Director Rachel Paling at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Initiates Electronic Registration System

In an effort to control cost and improve services, the Maine DOE is now using the standard electronic event registration system. Like many organizations that require electronic registration for professional development opportunities and meetings, the Maine DOE system requires payment at the time of registration. Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are all accepted forms of payment. Links to registration will now appear on invitations to participate.

The event registration system eliminates the time consuming paper registration system which includes collecting purchase orders, invoicing schools, and waiting for payment. The system simplifies the human hours and resources required to provide necessary and meaningful opportunities for Maine educators to access information and training with the Department.

This system update is a cost effective measure which enhances DOE specialists’ ability to provide continuing support and honors the intention of federal funding sources which are meant to be reimbursements. In practice, this change enhances accountability and fiscal responsibility.

Please note that purchase orders will no longer be accepted and all attendees will need to use a credit card.

 

Bureau of Justice Assistance Announces Two Grant Opportunities Under the STOP School Violence Act

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), alongside the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), is inviting state, local, and tribal jurisdictions to apply for grant funding under the Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) Violence Act Program. This act seeks to support and assist those jurisdictions in increasing the safety of their school personnel and students. To these ends, the BJA has announced two competitive grants: The Prevention and Mental Health Training Program and the Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program. Applications for both grants are due July 23, 2018.

The Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program would support and assist state, local, territorial, and tribal jurisdictions as they work to improve efforts to reduce violent crime, focusing on the creation of threat assessment teams for schools and the use of technology to create anonymous reporting systems for suspicious activity related to violence in schools.  More information on the Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program grant competition can be found at: https://www.bja.gov/funding/SSVthreat18.pdf

The Prevention and Mental Health Training Program would support and assist state, local, and tribal jurisdictions as they work to improve efforts to reduce violent crime, focusing on the creation of school safety training and mental health programs related to violence in schools for school personnel and students. More information on the Prevention and Mental Health Training Program grant competition can be found at: https://www.bja.gov/funding/SSVtraining18.pdf

For more information, contact Pat.Hinckley@maine.gov or support@grants.gov.

Maine DOE Partners with National Retail Foundation and Retail Association of Maine to Provide RISE Up Retail Training

The National Retail Foundation, the Maine Department of Education’s Adult Education program, and the Retail Association of Maine are partnering in the creation of a RISE Up training  program for Maine adults seeking retail training and certification.

The program will begin in Maine with a pilot group of young adults between the ages of 18 and 22 in Kittery, but the Maine DOE has plans to replicate this program across the state later this year, and the training is designed to be accessible to participants of all backgrounds, economic means, ages, and education.

The RISE Up program, which was launched nationwide by the NRF in January of 2017 and has since trained and certified over 26,000 participants, will provide training for three workforce skills credentials. This includes the Retail Industry Fundamentals credential, which prepares participants for a variety entry-level retail associate positions by training them in related skills, ranging from retail tools and technology to interview skills.

More information on the program and the credentials it offers can be found on the Maine Retail Foundation’s website.

FY19 ESEA Application and 2017-2018 Performance Report Now Open for Submission

The 2018-2019 Elementary and Secondary Education Act Consolidated Application for funds (FY19 ESEA Application) and 2017-2018 Performance Report are now open for completion and submission. ESEA Coordinators are encouraged to review each page of the application/performance report and contact the assigned Regional ESEA Team Member at the Maine DOE with any questions regarding the application.

Here are a few reminders when preparing to submit your application:

  • Ensure the projects within the application are based on the needs reported in your Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA).
  • Each SAU must submit a CNA by July 1, 2018. Please email your submission to Janette.Kirk@maine.gov. ESEA funding is dependent upon the submission of a CNA to the Maine Department of Education in conjunction with the FY19 ESEA Application. ESEA funding applications will not be reviewed if a district level CNA has not been submitted to the Maine DOE. A delay in a CNA submission will delay ESEA funding.
  • All applications for ESEA funding are due on August 1, 2018.
  • Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received by your assigned Regional ESEA Team Member.
  • Districts with private schools should be completing their consultation during the month of June. This information needs to be submitted under the Non-Public Participation Form section of the FY19 ESEA Application.
  • Please direct all questions to your assigned Regional ESEA Team Member.
  • LEA’s Consolidated Applications are not complete without a Superintendent’s certification.

The Department appreciates the hard work and continual support in making this process effective for all schools in the State of Maine.

For further information and questions please contact Chelsey Fortin-Trimble at 624-6815 or Chelsey.A.Fortin@maine.gov or Janette Kirk at 624-6707 or Janette.Kirk@maine.gov