Learning from the latest NECAP results: Part I

Earlier this week, the Department released the state-level results for the 2013-14 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). The test was administered back in October and districts have had (and hopefully been closely analyzing) their individual results since January.

From the state-level data, we can see that while the majority of Maine’s elementary school students are still proficient in math (60.2 percent) and reading (69.1 percent), there are concerning performance declines across the board. While proficiency went up in Grade 5 math and writing and was flat in Grade 3, 5 and 7 reading as well as Grade 7 math, it was down in both math and reading for Grades 3, 4, 6 and 8.

Just as we as a Department encourage you to dig into your data to inform your understanding of challenges and opportunities, we’ve been doing the same here.

Continue reading “Learning from the latest NECAP results: Part I” →

Financial education conference schedule for May 8

The Maine Jump$tart Coalition, the 2014 National Jump$tart Coalition State Coalition of the Year, will host its 5th Annual Fostering Financial Education in Maine Schools Conference on Thursday, May 8 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

Continue reading “Financial education conference schedule for May 8” →

Maine schools collaborate to support proficiency-based diploma implementation

All across Maine, educators are recognizing that the shift to proficiency-based diplomas by 2018 is complex and adaptive in nature. Continue reading “Maine schools collaborate to support proficiency-based diploma implementation” →

PD opportunities for math teachers, leaders and administrators

The Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM) will host two events for math teachers, leaders and administrators in April at the University of Maine at Augusta. Continue reading “PD opportunities for math teachers, leaders and administrators” →

Project guides for integrating math and CTE available

Since 2007, the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) has led Math Science Partnership Projects (ESEA Title II, Part B), funded by grants through the Maine DOE. These particular projects were developed to involve collaborations by teams of Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers and math teachers from middle and high schools in various regions of Maine. Continue reading “Project guides for integrating math and CTE available” →

Priority schools invited to apply for $1.7 million SIG

For the fifth straight year, the Maine DOE has been awarded money from the U.S. Department of Education Title I School Improvement Grants (SIG) program to turn around our state’s persistently lowest-achieving schools. Continue reading “Priority schools invited to apply for $1.7 million SIG” →

General and special educators working together to improve students outcomes

High expectations, inclusion/collaborative teaching practices and frequent assessment of progress are known to improve student outcomes. Continue reading “General and special educators working together to improve students outcomes” →

Literacy for ME community literacy webinar series underway

Recognizing the value of literacy to social and economic well-being, communities across Maine have formed literacy teams to promote birth to adult literacy education efforts. Many of these teams formed in response to the Maine DOE’s Literacy for ME initiative. Continue reading “Literacy for ME community literacy webinar series underway” →

Premier science events offer opportunities for Maine educators

Two upcoming national events in nearby Boston will provide extensive professional development opportunities for Maine science educators. Continue reading “Premier science events offer opportunities for Maine educators” →

Classroom resources available for Maine Statehood Day

March 15 marks Statehood Day, which according to State statute is intended to “commemorate the admission of Maine as a state into the United States of America and the ideals and wisdom of those men and women who have formed Maine’s history and traditions.”

Maine schools are urged to observe the day and the Maine Historical Society provides a number of online resources to support classroom learning and celebrations, among them: Continue reading “Classroom resources available for Maine Statehood Day” →