Students sought for humanities ambassador program

Do you have students who might benefit from real-world learning experiences?

The Maine Humanities Council (MHC) wants creative and energetic rising 10th or 11th graders interested in community engagement through the humanities.

Through the Student Humanities Ambassador Program, they will work with MHC to identify a topic and, working with a budget of $1,000 given to them by MHC, create, plan, run and evaluate a humanities-based program or event within their community.

Visit http://humanitiesambassador.org for more information and to apply. The deadline is March 31.

Improving literacy skills with close reading

Whether we are writing full sentences or using text messaging shorthand including abbreviations and icons, our ability to make meaning of the language around us is a critical aspect of our society. Continue reading “Improving literacy skills with close reading” →

Dyslexia for a Day workshop on Feb. 1

Project D.E.B.U.N.K., a resource for youth with dyslexia and their families and educators, is sponsoring a Dyslexia for a Day workshop in Brewer on Feb. 1. Continue reading “Dyslexia for a Day workshop on Feb. 1” →

Guidance on special education students in crisis placements

School administrative units (SAUs) sometimes become aware that a special education student enrolled in one of their schools has been placed in a residential facility identified as a crisis stabilization unit. Continue reading “Guidance on special education students in crisis placements” →

Opportunity to participate in accessible assessment project

The Maine DOE has served as a critical partner to the Maryland State Department of Education and Measured Progress Innovation lab for the Guidelines for Accessible Assessment Project (GAAP). This is a federally-funded project that involves developing research-based guidelines for representing assessment content in audio and sign forms. Continue reading “Opportunity to participate in accessible assessment project” →

Two Maine schools nominated for National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction

The Maine DOE has nominated Turner Elementary School and Winthrop Grade School to be 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Continue reading “Two Maine schools nominated for National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction” →

Acting Education Commissioner Rier to visit Lewiston schools Thursday

LEWISTON – Maine Department of Education Acting Commissioner Jim Rier will tour two Lewiston schools this Thursday that are undertaking significant initiatives to improve student outcomes.

Continue reading “Acting Education Commissioner Rier to visit Lewiston schools Thursday” →

Adult education offers something for everyone

Acting Commissioner Rier speaks at Adult Education Day at the Maine State House.

Last week I had the honor to speak at the annual Adult Education State House Day on behalf of the Maine DOE and Governor Paul LePage.

I was fortunate to talk with several students who had powerful stories to share about how their commitment to bettering themselves through learning is not just improving their college and career prospects, but enriching their lives and that of their families.

Adult education offers something for everyone. Continue reading “Adult education offers something for everyone” →

State Board supports Governor LePage’s candidate for Education Commissioner

AUGUSTA –The State Board of Education says they support Governor Paul R. LePage’s proposed Education Commissioner, following an interview with the candidate today.

Continue reading “State Board supports Governor LePage’s candidate for Education Commissioner” →

Maine students selected for Senate Youth Program

Two Maine students will travel to Washington, D.C. for a week in March to serve as delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

Zachary Duperry of Portland and Carolyn Liziewski of Gray were chosen from across the state to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 52nd annual Washington Week. Continue reading “Maine students selected for Senate Youth Program” →