Students in the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) celebrated another year of accomplishments during their State Convention at the University of Maine, Orono earlier this month.
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Category: News & Views
State supports proficiency-based diplomas, offers districts implementation flexibility
AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education affirmed its commitment to the state’s students being awarded diplomas based on proficiency but announced today it would give school districts more flexibility in meeting a requirement to do so by 2018. Continue reading “State supports proficiency-based diplomas, offers districts implementation flexibility”
Maine DOE provides flexibility to SAUs to ensure implementation of proficiency-based diploma
The following Priority Notice was distributed to superintendents today, affirming the Department’s commitment to the state’s students being awarded diplomas based on proficiency and previewing the flexibility it was providing to districts in meeting a requirement to do so by 2018.
Commissioner to speak at Merrymeeting Adult Ed graduation
TOPSHAM – Maine’s Education Commissioner will celebrate the 57 students who have earned their high school degree at the Merrymeeting Adult Education graduation this Tuesday.
Commissioner Jim Rier, who lives in Topsham where the program is based, will join Class of 2014 student speakers Kylie Patterson and Precene Louis, SAD 75 Superintendent Bradley Smith, Brunswick School District Superintendent Paul Perzanowski and Merrymeeting Adult Education Director Diana McCain in delivering remarks at the ceremony. Continue reading “Commissioner to speak at Merrymeeting Adult Ed graduation”
Maine DOE strengthens educator effectiveness
Following several changes by the Maine Legislature, I am pleased to say that the Department has finally adopted Rule Chapter 180, which establishes standards and procedures for the implementation of performance evaluation and professional growth systems (known as PE/PG systems) that each school administrative unit (SAU) is required to have implemented by the 2015-16 school year. PE/PG systems for teachers and principals improve educator effectiveness by establishing clear expectations for professional practice and student learning/growth and providing actionable feedback and support to help educators meet them.
The Department outlined the changes it made through the public rulemaking process last fall in a previous Commissioner’s Update dispatch. It is important to note that during the Legislature’s review this spring of Maine DOE’s provisionally-adopted rule, there was agreement that student growth measures should be a significant factor in determining a teacher or principal effectiveness rating and that local school boards have the authority and responsibility to approve or reject the stakeholder group’s proposed PE/PG system plan. Additionally, the Legislature maintained that the Maine DOE will still have to approve PE/PG system plans and that there are contingencies if local stakeholder groups can’t reach consensus, including adoption of a State model.
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Maine DOE announces 2014 summer literacy institute
The Maine DOE is inviting teams of educators to attend the 2014 Summer Literacy Institute to be held August 12-13 at Thomas College in Waterville. The two-day event will feature members of the Vermont Writing Collaborative sharing its book Writing for Understanding. Presenters will explain the Writing for Understanding approach which describes a method of teaching writing that clearly matches the purpose and supports inclusion of strong evidence to support the main ideas.
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Maine DOE proposes rules for suicide awareness and prevention
The enactment of PL 2013, Chapter 53, (LD 609), An Act To Increase Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Maine Public Schools, requires all Maine school personnel to be trained in suicide awareness and prevention. It further requires all school administrative units (SAU) to put supports in place to help prevent suicide.
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Department reminds SAUS of additional 2013-14 HQT data collection requirement
Maine is required by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to conduct a second “Highly Qualified” Teacher (HQT) data collection for the 2013-14 school year.
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Maine DOE releases professional practice model survey results
The development and implementation of Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PE/PG) systems has prompted many school administrators to look for opportunities to share ideas and resources.
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Members sought for deaf or hard of hearing commission
The Maine Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) is seeking nominations to fill vacancies on the Commission. Students, parents, educators and community members with knowledge and experience related to hearing loss are especially important to the work the Commission does to implement positive changes for Maine’s deaf and hard of hearing citizens.
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Maine DOE Newsroom 