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Category: News & Views
Maine DOE opens window for SAUs to complete 2016 progress report on proficiency-based diploma implementation
Public school superintendents and public charter school directors received a live link this week to the 2016 Progress Report: Implementing Proficiency-Based Learning and Proficiency-based Diplomas. A printable version of this progress report is available here.
Water conservation resources
As many areas of Maine continue to experience drought conditions, teachers may find this resource from the Maine Emergency Management Agency helpful for discussing water conservation and getting students thinking about what they can do in their everyday lives to help conserve water at school and at home.
Invitation to participate in NECAP science inquiry task field test
The Maine Department of Education has agreed to recruit schools to serve as field testing sites to administer Measured Progress’ NECAP Science Inquiry Tasks in grades 5, 8, and 11. The field tests will occur between November 1 and November 18, 2016 and are in paper-pencil format. A monetary stipend is available to schools who participate.
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Blue Ribbon Commission To Meet Monday, October 17
Augusta – The next meeting of the Commission to Reform Public Education Funding and Improve Student Performance in Maine will be held on Monday, Oct. 17 at 9:00 a.m. at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center. The Lewiston Regional Technical Center is located at 156 East Avenue in Lewiston. A copy of the meeting agenda and documents relating to the Commission’s work will be posted here as they are made available.
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Maine DOE 2016 Survey for SAUs to report proficiency-based implementation progress
The following Priority Notice was sent on October 11, 2016
During the period of transition to proficiency-based learning and proficiency-based diplomas, SAUs are asked to report implementation progress annually. The window for completing this year’s progress report is from October 11, 2016 through November 30, 2016. To preview this progress report, click here for a printable version of the 2015-2016 Progress Report: Implementing Proficiency-Based Learning and Proficiency-Based Diplomas. The online version of this progress report is available for SAUs to complete.
The Department’s goal is 100 percent participation on this survey. The information collected helps the Department chart progress toward implementation of proficiency-based diplomas and informs the development of additional resources and supports for districts. The aggregate of the information is shared with lawmakers and with the public
The 2016 progress report reflects the recently adopted timeline for phasing-in the proficiency-based diploma requirements and is a way for Maine districts to report vital data to the Maine DOE regarding the progress made from July 1, 2015-July 31, 2016. As such, this report generates a brief but important source of data for both districts and the State.
For more information please contact the Department’s Proficiency-Based Education Specialist, Diana Doiron at diana.doiron@maine.gov or 624-6823.
Maine DOE Update – October 6, 2016
From the Maine Department of Education
Three Maine schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools by United States Department of Education
Falmouth Middle School, Reeds Brook Middle School in Hampden, and Sea Road School in Kennebunk were among the 329 public and private schools across the country this week named 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Department of Education Secretary John King.
All three Maine schools were honored as “Exemplary High Performing Schools.”
“To be named a National Blue Ribbon School, schools must meet strict criteria, and these three Maine schools deserve great credit for their dedication to the mission of educating our children. I commend the educators, parents, and students who all work to make these schools such proud examples of excellence in the state of Maine,” said Deputy Commissioner of Education William Beardsley.
Notices and Reporting Items
- EFM-43 Report Transportation Data for Out-of-District Special Education Students, Homeless Students, and CTE Students, due Oct. 15 (Reminder)
- EF-M-240 Year End Report of Private Schools for Public Tuition Approval, due Oct. 15 (Reminder)
- Local Entitlement Report of Final Expenditures for FY15, due Oct. 30
- Local Entitlement Year End Report for FY16, due Oct. 30
- Report of Services to Students with Disabilities Part I (EF-S-05), due Oct. 31
- EPS October 1 Enrollment Reporting, due Oct. 31
- Report of Services to Students with Disabilities Part II (EF-S-05), due Oct. 31
- Staff Data Reporting 2016-17, due Oct. 31
- Graduation Reporting, due Oct. 31
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Maine Department of Education announces the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching State Finalists
Maine DOE is honored to announce the four state finalists for the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science (PAEMST). | More
Maine DOE accepting School Improvement Grant applications through December 14
The Maine Department of Education will once again be accepting applications for School Improvement Grant (SIG) funding during the 2016-17 school year. | More
Maine DOE offers 2017 performance evaluation and professional growth mini-booster grants to SAUs
In an effort to continue assisting school administrative units (SAUs) in their performance evaluation and professional growth (PEPG) development the Maine DOE is offering mini-booster grants of $1,500. | More
A message for superintendents in partnership with Head Start, child care and private preschool programs
To date, there has been some confusion around public preschool teachers with Conditional 081 Early Childhood Teacher Certification who have been hired and are employed by a partnering program. | More
U.S. Senate Youth Program Application Deadline is Oct. 17
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. | More
Secretary of State hosting ‘Voter Reg Rumble’ competition to encourage youth registration
This general election season, Maine’s Secretary of State is hosting a voter registration competition encouraging students to get involved in the electoral process. | More
Election resources available on Maine Department of Education website
The Maine Department of Education has a webpage devoted to resources that may be helpful in teaching about the Presidential election and the election process. | More
Input sought for teacher shortage areas
The Maine DOE has been notified of the requirement to submit Maine teacher shortage areas by December 9 for designation by the U.S. Department of Education for the 2017-18 school year. | More
NEO Transportation Upgrade and EFT-24 Vehicle Mileage and Operations Report due date extension
The due date for the year-end EFT-24 Vehicle Mileage and Operations Report has been extended to December 31. | More
Statements of Assurance and MEFS (Maine Educational Financial System) Financial Reconciliations (formerly MEDMS) due Nov. 1
Statements of assurance and MEFS (Maine Educational Financial System) Financial reconciliations, as required by Title 20-A MRSA 6051 §4, are due by November 1. | More
State agency client students in crisis placements
The Maine DOE previously (1/22/14) issued guidance with respect to students in crisis placements. That guidance applies as well to students who are hospitalized as a result of a mental health crisis. | More
Reminder: National Board Certified Teacher Salary Supplement due Oct. 15
Superintendents of a school administrative unit or the director of a publicly-supported secondary school or CTE region must submit to the Maine DOE by Oct. 15. | More
Professional development opportunity for education technicians working with students with challenging behaviors
Please note the original location of the Oct. 25 training has changed and will now be held in Brewer. As of Oct. 5, the Oct. 24 session remains open; all slots have been filled for Oct. 25. | More
More Dispatches | Press Releases | Priority Notices
LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Education Specialist I – Child Nutrition
- Education Specialist III – Adult Education Coordinator – Special Projects – Part-Time Job Share (20 hours)
- Education Specialist III – Director, Special Education
- Request for Proposals: HIV Prevention Education
- View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here
Maine Department of Education announces the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching State Finalists
Maine DOE is honored to announce the four state finalists for the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science (PAEMST). The 2016 cycle recognizes elementary teachers.
Secretary of State hosting ‘Voter Reg Rumble’ competition to encourage youth registration
This general election season, Maine’s Secretary of State is hosting a voter registration competition encouraging students to get involved in the electoral process.
U.S. Senate Youth Program Application Deadline is Oct. 17
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. Delegates also participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided by the Hearst Foundations.
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