The FY13 sequester is scheduled to go into effect March 1, 2013. Current calculations from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities project a 5.1 percent across-the-board cut to all nondefense discretionary programming, or roughly $2.5 billion from the U.S. Department of Education’s overall budget.
Continue reading “Sequestration of federal funds anticipated March 1”
AUGUSTA – The four-year graduation rate for Maine high schools rose for a third year in a row, to 85.34 percent for 2012. It’s a rise of more than 1½ percentage points from the previous year and nearly 5 percentage points since 2009.
Continue reading “Maine grad rates rise for third year in a row”
The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on Family Cost Participation Fee Policy, procedure, determination form, and table, which are used in relation to services for young children birth through age two with disabilities.
Continue reading “Soliciting comments on Family Cost Participation Fee Policy”
A little over a year ago, I outlined a vision for education in Maine, our strategic plan, Education Evolving, at Capital Area Technical Center. A few weeks later, Governor LePage and I laid out the education agenda at the Somerset Career and Technical Education Center in Skowhegan. We at Maine DOE, in collaboration with schools and school districts, have made great progress in changing policies and focus toward a system that supports students in achieving proficiency in rigorous standards that will prepare them to be ready for college and careers.
Managing pests, including insects, animals, weeds, and plant diseases, is an essential part of operating a healthy and safe learning environment for Maine’s students and staff. Integrated Pest Management is a proven approach that can reduce leading causes of childhood asthma and asthma triggers and reduce overall pest complaints with no long-term increase in costs. All K-12 schools in Maine are required by law to adopt and implement an IPM policy, notify parents, guardians and staff about pesticide use, and appoint an IPM coordinator.
Continue reading “Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released”
ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER NO: 7
POLICY CODE: AE
Continue reading “Implementing LD 1422: Proficiency-Based Diplomas”
The Governor devoted a good portion of his State of the State address on Tuesday evening to education, a reflection of the passion he has for the topic. As he said, he believes education saved his life.
UPDATE: This article was updated on March 27 to reflect the fact that eighth grade teachers can now undergo training too.
In a study offered by the University of Maine and ASSISTments, seventh and eighth grade math teachers will be paid to use a free online system to easily assign and monitor practice problems for homework, either from their textbooks or their own problems. Students will be able to do homework using their school-issued laptops.
Continue reading “Seventh and eighth grade math teachers called to participate in UMaine study”
The Maine Commission for Community Service is offering matching grants up to $500 to support youth-led community service projects or Semester of Service projects that take place or culminate on Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), held April 26 to 28, 2013.
Continue reading “Apply for grants to support youth-led service projects”
RSU 59 received a HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze Award at Madison Elementary School, with students and parents in attendance. HUSSC is a voluntary certification initiative established in 2004 to recognize those schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. Fewer than 4 percent of schools nationally have achieved the award.
Maine DOE Newsroom 