Students, Parents, and Schools Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Oct. 17-21

A school bus driver’s career is about safely delivering the world’s most precious cargo – our students. Making a positive difference in the life of a child is what motivates school bus drivers.

Continue reading “Students, Parents, and Schools Celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Week Oct. 17-21”

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.

Continue reading “Maine DOE opens window for SAUs to complete 2016 progress report on proficiency-based diploma implementation”

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.

Continue reading “Invitation to participate in NECAP science inquiry task field test”

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.

Continue reading “Blue Ribbon Commission To Meet Monday, October 17”

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.

Continue reading


Notices and Reporting Items

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

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.

Continue reading “Maine Department of Education announces the 2016 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching State Finalists”

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.

Continue reading “U.S. Senate Youth Program Application Deadline is Oct. 17”