Category: News & Views

District academic staff evaluation survey data due

The new Maine DOE NEO EDFacts School Academic Staff Evaluation Survey (formerly the MEDMS Educator Quality and Effectiveness EQE survey) is scheduled for initial rollout for annual collection of teacher and principal evaluation data for the 2013-14 school year beginning Thursday, Nov. 13.  All Maine public school units are required to complete the survey no later than Dec. 19.

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Department school nutrition team provides reminders to districts

School Food Service Enrollment

Enrollment numbers in the National School Lunch Program are collected every November when a district files its October claim information.  The food service enrollment includes all grades that are offered a meal.  This year, districts will need to enter elementary and secondary grades (defined as grades 9-12) enrollment and eligibility numbers. This information is used for the yearly ED534 Report that is used for grants in several District applications.  For more information or technical assistance, please contact Maine DOE Child Nutrition Specialist Nanci Kitredge at nanci.kitredge@maine.gov.

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Maine DOE learning technology staff attend SETDA leadership summit

Members of the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team recently returned from the annual State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) leadership summit. This annual event brings state educational leaders to the Washington D.C. area to participate in a unique professional learning opportunity designed to foster in-depth dialogue coupled with collaborative work.

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Native American history and culture essay contest call for entries

In an effort to enhance Maine Native American Studies lessons, the Secretary of State is sponsoring an essay contest in which middle and high school students explore at least one aspect of Maine Native American history.

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Extension applications show Maine’s commitment to successful proficiency-based diploma implementation

Earlier this year, the Department released six options by which districts could apply for extensions to fully implementing systems to support the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas starting in 2018.

I continue to be appreciative of the positive feedback we regularly receive in response to offering that flexibility. Many educators and district leaders have commented that while they had initially been uncertain about the extension application process, it ended up being a valuable opportunity for reflection that helped focus local efforts moving forward to best ensure quality implementation.

But nothing has been more encouraging than seeing the high number of extension applications and confirmations of readiness that the Department received by the Oct. 18 final deadline. Continue reading “Extension applications show Maine’s commitment to successful proficiency-based diploma implementation” →