Category: News & Views

Maine signs assessment contract with valued, proven partner

Maine-specific test will take less time away from classroom teaching

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education is pleased to be signing a contract today with Measured Progress, a nonprofit organization from Dover, New Hampshire. This contract is for the development and administration of the 2016 online, state summative assessment in English language arts (ELA)/literacy and mathematics for grades 3-8 and the third-year of high school. Maine has a long-standing history with Measured Progress and the Department is confident this spring’s assessment will take less time away from classroom instruction while adequately measuring students’ knowledge.

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FFA students hold leadership workshop in Presque Isle

On Nov. 20 student State Officers of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) conducted an all-day leadership workshop for over 100 enthusiastic middle and high school agriculture and natural resources students and teachers from six FFA chapters in Aroostook County. The workshop was held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and focused on defining leadership, understanding agricultural issues, teamwork, communication and goal setting.  Presentations and fun, hands-on activities were successfully used to help students learn new concepts.

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Mid-Maine CTE promotes new student video production

Career and Technical Education media programs allow student to learn how to produce communication videos.  The schools with these programs use their expertise and training to produce promotional videos that explain the benefits of CTE for all students.  The following school is one example of this student work and showcases the value of CTE.  The program offered to students in Mid-Maine Technical Center (MMTC) is a great example of what students can learn in a CTE program.

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Arts students honored

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Arts Commission are holding a celebration of Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education hosted by First Lady Ann M. LePage, December 4, in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta. Joining the First Lady are State Board of Education Chair Martha Harris, and Maine Arts Commission Executive Director Julie Richards, and Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley.

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Maine DOE to release “Content Corner” resources

Student proficiency is enhanced by educator use of high impact instruction strategies. To support educator understanding of effective practices in the content areas, the Maine DOE is pleased to announce the upcoming release of its inaugural collection of articles focused on instructional strategies.

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Clarification on certification approval and renewal

The following message offers clarification on the status of approvals (criminal history records check) regarding Maine Department of Education’s certification process.

Dear Superintendents,

For those positions that require “approval” only, if you have someone that you intend to hire immediately AND you, the superintendent, have verified that this person has already submitted an application to the Maine DOE, then email the person’s name to the Department’s Director of Certification Bob Hasson at robert.g.hasson@maine.gov.

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