Effective writing requires not only knowledge of writing modes and mechanics, but also strong understanding of content. Last month, 175 educators from across the state assembled at Thomas College to learn about the Vermont Writing Collaborative’s method of building deep content understanding through effective writing practices.
Continue reading “Maine educators convene to learn effective writing practices”
Congratulations on the start of the 2014-15 school year!
This week, Maine students are fortunate to be heading back to schools where they will be welcomed by educators who encourage their love of learning and are deeply dedicated to ensuring every one of them is successful.
On behalf of Governor LePage and all of us at the Department, I want to thank those teachers, administrators and other school staff for their care for and commitment to our students. Maine kids are increasingly being inspired in their classrooms and achievement in their studies is rising as a result, putting them on a path for future college and career success.
Continue reading “2014-15 school year: We’re in this together”
The Department is encouraging Maine educators to register for the Cross Discipline Literacy Network (CDLN) for the 2014-15 school year. The CDLN is a professional learning network focused on helping PK-12 educators learn and apply literacy strategies to improve content instruction that promotes student proficiency. The network operates regionally across the state, utilizing both face-to-face networking experiences and online webinar sessions.
Continue reading “Cross Disciplinary Literacy Network registration now open”
Creating standards-based Individualized Education Programs (IEP) was the first step; implementing those plans is next.
Continue reading “SAUs invited to apply for coaching and evidence-based practice PD”
The Maine DOE is encouraging schools to participate in an upcoming pilot of the State’s alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Continue reading “Pilot participation, training offered on alternate assessment”
Members of Maine’s Digital Library State Network of Educators were among 80 educators from the Smarter Balanced participating states that convened July 14-17 for a marathon work session to review and evaluate resources submitted to the Digital Library. Marilyn Joyce of Brewer and Sandra Cookson of RSU 87 along with Maine DOE specialist Morgan Dunton were on hand as the Digital Library count passed 1,000 items and kept climbing.
In response to requests, the Department is offering a webinar titled Proficiency-Based Diplomas: Extension or Confirmation on the morning of September 5 from 9-10:00.
Continue reading “Maine DOE hosts webinar on proficiency-based diplomas readiness”
As educators across the state know, the last two years have been abundant with conversation, revision and activity related to developing and implementing Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) systems so that all students have access to effective teachers and principals.
Safely and effectively managing student behavior in class can be a challenge.
A recently-adopted rule regarding the use of restraint or seclusion in schools (Department of Education Rule Chapter 33) limits the use of restraint or seclusion to manage behavior to situations in which the health or safety of a student or others is at risk, and other less intrusive methods have failed to alleviate the risk or have been deemed inappropriate.
Continue reading “Student behavior management and update on restraint and seclusion rules”
The following Priority Notice was distributed to superintendents on Tuesday, August 19.
Dear Superintendents,
As part of ongoing efforts to support school administrative units in ensuring that teachers are led by highly effective building administrators, I am pleased to announce the release of the Maine DOE Principal Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) Model.
The Department has adopted as a State Principal PEPG Model the Administrator Evaluation Framework, which was prepared by the Auburn School Department in collaboration with the Department and the Maine Principals’ Association.
Maine DOE Newsroom 