We know many readers look forward to our weekly Commissioner’s Update, specifically for the column from Commissioner Jim Rier, whose insight on education has come from nearly two decades in Augusta, first as a member of the State Board of Education and since 2003 here at the Department.
Category: News & Views
Districts reminded of importance of maintaining accurate student enrollment data in DC system
The Maine DOE is reminding districts of the importance of maintaining accurate student enrollment data in the new Direct Cert (DC) system due to its integration with State Infinite Campus. In particular, when a student is transferred to another district, they may not show as eligible on a Direct Cert list if the transferring school fails to report the transfer to the State in a timely manner.
Districts reminder of school food sale guidelines
As a reminder, all food sales to students in schools must meet the Smart Snacks Guidelines as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
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Nominees sought for educators effectively engaging families
Nominations are now open for the 2015 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year Award, which will honor an exemplary teacher engaging families in education. Educators working with families through schools, libraries and many other community-based organizations will be considered and nominations are due Dec. 31.
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High school students invited to apply for research fellowships at MDI Biological Laboratory
The Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory is now accepting applications for exceptional high school students interested in a laboratory research experience at MDI Biological Laboratory in the summer of 2015. Students must be nominated in order to apply. MDI Biological Laboratory usually awards 10 high school fellowships each summer.
Guidance provided on preventing school laboratory incidents
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) recently released a safety bulletin, Key Lessons for Preventing Incidents from Flammable Chemicals in Educational Demonstrations, based on three recent serious incidents in Nevada, Colorado and Illinois where children were burned while observing school laboratory demonstrations involving flammable liquid methanol.
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Recognizing Maine’s career and technical educators
Career and technical education (CTE) plays a critical role in strengthening the college and career readiness of our students and the economic future of our state. Continue reading “Recognizing Maine’s career and technical educators”
MEA science testing window extended, will better accommodate AP students
The science portion of the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) will be a paper-pencil test this year and will be administered to all students in grades five and eight and to those in their third year of high school during a three-week window from May 4 to May 22. This administration window is one week longer than the two-week window in previous years.
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Revised National Board certification process for teachers
Over the years Maine has built an important cohort of National Board certified educators. Created for teachers, by teachers, National Board Certification is a voluntary, performance-based, peer-review process that recognizes the complex nature of teaching. The certification process is being revised, while maintaining the integrity and transformative nature of National Board certification.
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Resource available for elementary school principals
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has released a new resource for elementary school principals that defines new competencies and outlines approaches for providing high-quality early childhood programs.
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Maine DOE Newsroom 