Category: Professional Development

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Kids Rock Program Expands to 22 Additional Schools

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce that 22 school districts have been awarded $5,000 worth of modern band instruments, per school, as part of an expansion of the Maine Kids Rock Initiative.

“The Maine Kids Rock initiative has been a huge success so far,” said Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Robert G. Hasson, Jr. “We are thrilled to be expanding it by an additional 22 schools in Maine that would not otherwise be able to afford the instruments and specialized training.”

Currently in its second year, the Maine Kids Rock initiative is a program developed between the Maine Department of Education and national nonprofit, Little Kids Rock. Selected schools receive all of the instruments and resources necessary to run modern band programs, and partner teachers will receive extensive, direct coaching through Little Kids Rock’s training course, Modern Band 102, this fall.

To be eligible for participation in this initiative, districts must agree to offer modern band – taught by a certified music teacher – during the 2018-2019 school year. Priority is given to schools who serve 50% or more free or reduced eligible students.

The 22 additional schools join the initiative’s 10 pilot schools, which will continue in the program and receive frequent, targeted professional development. Partner teachers in the second-year cohort will attend a series of virtual professional learning sessions – offered monthly and covering a range of topics from hip-hop to singing in modern band – taught by expert staff from the Little Kids Rock organization. Additionally, all teachers receive free, unlimited access to the newest resources in Little Kids Rock’s online hub, Jam Zone. Next spring, new partner schools will be featured in a public performance at the second annual “Concert at the Capitol.”

The 22 members of this year’s cohort are:

Andover Elementary School (Andover School Department), Dr. Levesque Elementary School (MSAD 33), Easton High School (Easton School District), Glenburn School, Greenville Consolidated School, Hall-Dale High School (RSU 2), Leavitt Area High School (MSAD 52), Lee Elementary School (MSAD 30), Monmouth Middle School, Mattanawcook Junior High School (RSU 67), Miles Lane Elementary School (RSU 25), Molly Ockett Middle School (MSAD 72), Searsport Middle/High School (RSU 20), Sebasticook Valley Middle School (RSU 19), Sherwood Heights (Auburn School Department), Spruce Mountain Middle School (RSU 73), Walker Elementary School (RSU 3), Walton Elementary School (Auburn School Department), Washington Academy, Winslow Elementary School (AOS 92), Winslow Junior High School (AOS 92), and Woodland Consolidated School.

The 10 returning schools are:

Central Community Elementary School (RSU 64), Crescent Park and Woodstock Elementary Schools (RSU 44), East End Community School (Portland Public Schools), Hitchborn Middle School and Penobscot Valley High School (RSU 31), Houlton Middle/High School (RSU 29), Katahdin Elementary, Middle, and High Schools (RSU 50), Medway Middle School (Medway School Department), Meroby and Rumford Elementary Schools (RSU 10), Troy Howard Middle School (RSU 71), and Waterville Senior High School (AOS 92).

Rachel Paling, Maine DOE Director of Communication at rachel.paling@maine.gov

BrightBytes Technology and Learning Fall 2018 Workshops

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) has partnered with BrightBytes for the sixth year to facilitate the administration of the Technology and Learning Survey to students and educators. The survey helps districts assess how technology is used for teaching and learning in its schools, and provides research-based insights to assist districts with planning for better technology integration.

Staff from BrightBytes and the Department will host another series of on-site data and action planning workshops this Fall. During these full day workshops, participants will analyze school or district BrightBytes results in order to create an action plan for better implementation of technology for learning that is grounded in best practice and linked to the mission and vision of the district.

A team is ideal for this full-day workshop. School principals, district administrators, technology directors, curriculum directors, teachers, and students are all welcome to join.

All workshops will take place from 9am-3pm.

  • Monday, 10/22, Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, Ellsworth.
  • Tuesday, 10/23, The Forum/Mt. Blue Campus, Farmington.
  • Wednesday, 10/24, Maine Department of Education, Room 103, Augusta.
  • Thursday, 10/25, Gorham Municipal Center, Gorham.
  • Friday, 10/26, Virtual Workshop (more info to be sent upon registration).

Cost: There is no registration cost.

Lunch: Please plan to bring your own lunch and snacks for the day.

Registration: Click here to register.

Contact Hours: Educators can earn up to six contact hours

Note: Districts have typically used BrightBytes survey results to inform the development of district technology plans. During the 2018 – 2019 school year, there is no requirement for districts to submit technology plans to the Department for review or approval, however, schools that are participating in the MLTI Apple and HP opt-ins are still required to complete the survey by November 30, 2018.

If you have questions, contact Amanda Nguyen, Digital Learning Specialist at Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

 

Regional PD Opportunities Based on CNAs and Provided Under ESSA #success4ME

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Maine has developed a differentiated model of school supports that includes statewide professional development targeted to regional needs. Upon review of submitted statewide Comprehensive Needs Assessments/SAU Consolidated Plans, the Maine DOE is providing regional professional development to address the explicit needs outlined in submitted CNAs.

The Department invites district, school, and classroom leaders, and their staff to attend the many regional professional development opportunities being offered by the Department this fall. These sessions are offered at no cost and sessions information is available on the Department’s professional development calendar.

Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools:  Using Relationships to Promote Growth & Learning

Session Description: Schools across the country are adopting a trauma-sensitive approach in order to effectively educate students who have been exposed to adverse experiences. Neurodevelopmental impacts resulting from childhood adversity hinder a student’s ability to engage in the academic setting and manifest as disruptive, and often unsafe, behavior in the classroom. Creating trauma competent schools has become an imperative for educators who work to ensure safety and promote learning for ALL students. The field of social neuroscience draws from vast disciplines to explain how we have evolved in the context of interpersonal relationships through attachment and group cohesion, and how we have subsequently developed the capacity to shape the brains of those with whom interact and connect. This presentation will describe how educators can use our knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology to create classrooms and student relationships that maximize growth and learning. Participants will understand their role in creating trauma-competent systems and be able to employ trauma-sensitive principles, practices, and procedures to address the impact of trauma on learners and increase their students ability to succeed in the school environment.

Facilitator Information: Cassie Yackley, Psy.D.,  has spent more than 25 years committed to understanding and effectively addressing the impact of traumatic/adverse experiences on children, caregivers/families, and systems. She brings together recent discoveries from developmental neuroscience, attachment, implementation science, and reflective practice to help audiences develop skills of relationship and self-awareness in ways that transform organizations, promote staff professional growth and wellness, and improve outcomes for the consumers they serve.

The three session dates and locations are listed below with a link to each registration.  Space is limited so we recommend you register at the earliest possible opportunity.  Please register no later than, October 9, 2018 for the session closest to you.

Oct. 16, 2018                           
Elks Lodge – Brewer  
Register now »

Oct. 17, 2018                                              
State Armory – Augusta 
Register now » 

Oct. 18, 2018                                              
Elks Lodge –  Portland  
Register now »   

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with each session running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a break for a provided lunch.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact ESEA Federal Programs and Title I Director, Chelsey Fortin-Trimble at chelsey.a.fortin@maine.gov.

Interactive Three-day Workshop on the Application of School Transportation Software

Transfinder University is coming to Augusta, Maine!  Maine public school transportation staff are invited to attend a three-day workshop which will provide participants with information regarding bus routing, map editing, geo-coding, pre-routing, custom reporting, and more to optimize their local district transportation operations.  Public school districts using Transfinder are strongly encouraged to participate in this workshop, as it will provide refined knowledge and practice on the routing module used to enhance transportation efficiency, logistics, reporting, and safety.

This computer-based intensive workshop will be taught by Brian Keefer who is a senior educator for Transfinder Corporation.  The curriculum includes a combination of educator-led lessons with a hands-on lab where participants’ complete real transportation operations tasks using actual Transfinder system software.

To meet the high demand for this course, this year, we doubled the class capacity.  Pre-registration is required.  Computers will be provided.  Wireless internet and free parking will be available.  Attendees are responsible for hotel reservations and meals.  Breakfast is included for participants who stay overnight at the Senator Inn.  Continuing education units will be available upon request.  The Maine Department of Education is sponsoring this course and there is no cost for Maine Public school Transfinder users.

Date:  October 2-4, 2018

Time:  8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location:  Senator Inn, 284 Western Avenue, Augusta, Maine

Registration:  Pre-registration is required; the class fills quickly

Register Now – To register for the workshop, call 888-427-2403 ext. 8206 and speak with Angela Vitti, Maine Transfinder Account Executive, or send an email to avitti@transfinder.com .

If you have questions about school transportation, please contact Pat Hinckley, Transportation and Facilities Administrator at pat.hinckley@maine.gov or 204-624-6886.

Professional Development Opportunity for Educators: Integrating Technology in Mathematics Classrooms

Maine Department of Education will be sponsoring a 2-part series, offered in two locations, that will focus on supporting teachers in developing and implementing purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom to effectively impact student engagement, learning, and understanding.

Jennifer Vadnais, a certified Desmos presenter, will be facilitating the sessions with the first part in October and the second part in March. Participants will be expected to implement their learning and return with evidence of implementation for the next in-person meeting. In addition, there will be virtual check-in opportunities in between the sessions to provide support and answer questions.

During these sessions participants will:

  • Experience the impact of purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom
  • Explore the Desmos resources
  • Learn how to navigate and use the teacher account
  • Understand how using Desmos supports student engagement and learning
  • Apply these understandings using a developed implementation plan

Participants will be provided 20 contact hours at end of series upon completion of survey in addition to coffee, lunch, and workshop materials.

Cost and participation: these sessions are FREE and open to anyone working with middle and high school math students.

Location Dates Grade Span
Jeff’s Catering, Brewer ME Session 1 – October 11, 2018

Session 2 – March 25, 2019

 Grades 6-12
Keeley’s, Portland ME Session 1 – October 12, 2018

Session 2 – March 26, 2019

 Grades 6-12

Registration & coffee begins at 8:00 am. The sessions run from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm . Lunch will be provided. Virtual Check-ins to be scheduled.

Register here

 

Assessment Professional Development and Learning Opportunities

As a follow-up to the September 6, 2018 notice in the Maine DOE Newsroom regarding scheduled opportunities for professional development and learning around assessment, the Department is providing additional information and registration details for upcoming sessions.

Lexile Framework for Reading

On October 9- 11, 2018, the Department in conjunction with MetaMetrics® will be conducting three (3) regional ½ day repeated sessions in Presque Isle, Bangor/Brewer and Portland areas. Each ½ day /3-hour session will provide attendees an overview of the Lexile Framework for Reading and the utilization of Lexile levels to support and impact instructional practice. This session will discuss and review student Lexile levels as determined by student performance on the Spring 2018 ELA eMPowerME state assessment and as reported on 2018 Individual Student Reports (ISRs) to parents.

The intended audience for this session is Special Educators, Librarians, English Language Teachers, English Language Arts (ELA) teaching staff, and elementary school teaching staff.

To register for the Lexile professional development session please click here.

Date Location Session times Registration
October 9, 2018 Elks Lodge

508 Main Street,

Presque Isle, 04769

 PM – 12:30 -3:30 pm To register for Oct. 9 sessions, click here.
October 10, 2018 Jeff’s Catering

15 Littlefield Road,

Brewer, 04401

 AM – 8:30 -11:30 am

PM – 12:30 -3:30 pm

 To register for Oct. 10 sessions, click here.
October 11, 2018 Elks Lodge

1945 Congress Street,

Portland, 04102

 AM – 8:30 -11:30 am

PM – 12:30 -3:30 pm

 To register for Oct. 11 sessions, click here.

Maine’s Assessment & Accountability Reporting System (MAARS) Review & Released Items

On November 13-15, 2018, the Department in conjunction with FocalPointK-12 will be conducting three, one day sessions in Presque Isle, Bangor/Brewer and Portland areas.

During each morning session, attendees will be provided an overview of MAARS with a focus on confidential reporting elements. Please note, in order for participants to engage fully in this session, participants should ensure necessary permissions to access MAARS have been granted and provided from the District Assessment Coordinator (DAC).

Afternoon sessions will focus on English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics eMPowerME and Science released items and specifically the impact on curriculum and development review to instructional practice.

To register for the MAARS Review and Released Item session please click here.

The intended audience for this session is Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, curriculum coordinators, and ELA, Math and Science teaching staff.

Date Location Time Registration
November 13, 2018 Presque Isle Registration 8:30 am

Session 9 am – 3:30 PM

 To register for Nov.13 sessions, click here.
November 14, 2018 Bangor/Brewer Registration 8:30 am

Session 9 am – 3:30 PM

 To register for Nov. 14 sessions, click here.
November 15, 2018 Portland Registration 8:30 am

Session 9 am – 3:30 PM

 To register for Nov. 15 sessions, click here.

For further information or additional questions please contact Janette Kirk, Deputy Director, Office of Learning Systems at janette.kirk@maine.gov or 624-6707.

Online Learning Communities for Educators

Maine educators are invited to join online learning communities led by other Maine educators who will offer guidance and support for completing recognized online learning programs that are designed to develop various skills related to teaching and learning with technology. Educators can learn on their own time and at their own pace while still being a part of community of educators that are all working toward a common goal.

All of the online learning communities are free to join, though some have materials that need to be purchased in order to participate more fully.

  • Apple Teacher – iPad Badges (free)
  • Apple Teacher – Mac Badges (free)
  • Code.org Express Course (free)
  • Common Sense Educators (free)
  • Google Level 1 Certification ($10 exam fee paid to Google directly)
  • Wonder Workshop ($125 for robot and course bundle purchased with ACTEM discount)

To register, please complete this online form »

Note: Most offerings start on or around Oct. 1st and have a limit on the number of participants.

All educators who earn their badge or certificate by midnight on December 2nd will be invited to join a daylong celebration and professional learning opportunity. The celebration will likely be held on Thursday, December 13th or Friday, December 14th in the central Maine area. More details will be sent directly to participants later in the fall

For more information contact, Maine DOE Digital Learning Specialist, Amanda Nguyen at Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

Attendance Matters: Connecting for Student Success Regional Meetings

Attendance Matters: The Fall Connecting for Student Success regional meetings sponsored by Maine Department of Education and Count ME In are happening statewide.  You can attend a regional meeting that is convenient for you.

  • Tuesday, October 16 in Bangor 12:00 to 2:30
  • Wednesday, October 17 in Presque Isle 12:00 – 2:30
  • Thursday, November 1 in Augusta 9:00 – 11:30
  • Thursday, November 29 in Portland 8:30 – 11:00 (Full)

Attendees will hear schools and agencies share updates on programs and effective strategies as well as a short presentation on anxiety-steps to support students. Sessions are free but registration is required.  

Attendance matters because early absences can affect later achievement, since students can miss some of the key building blocks for learning.  Absences add up- just two days a month can mean 18 absences a year.

Register Now  

For more information, please contact Gayle Erdheim at Gayle.Erdheim@maine.gov, Emily Poland at Emily.Poland@maine.gov or Susan Lieberman at slieberman@countmeinmaine.org.

Interactive Workshop on the Legal Rights of English Learners

All educators are invited to attend this workshop which will provide participants with information regarding the legal responsibilities of schools serving English learners. Districts receiving federal funds under Title I and/or Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) are strongly encouraged to participate in this workshop, as it will clarify the core requirements for English learner programming that must be met before supplemental federal funds may be utilized.

The workshop, facilitated by Charo Basterra, Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), will include practical applications, scenarios, and tools that promote appropriate implementation of practices to address the needs and rights of English learners. MAEC is one of four regional technical assistance centers funded by the United States Department of Education.

Three contact hours will be available upon completion of a feedback survey. Wireless internet and free parking will be available, either on campus or at an off-campus parking lot connected by a free shuttle service. The ESEA Title III office of the Maine Department of Education is sponsoring this event and there is no registration fee.

Date: September 20, 2018

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Location:
University of New England
Innovation Hall
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103

Register Now

If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact April Perkins, Director of ESOL/Bilingual Programs, at april.perkins@maine.gov or (207)624-6627.

Assessment Professional Development and Learning

During the month of July, Department staff engaged in the review of submitted Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)/SAU Consolidated Plans. All submitted plans have been reviewed and the Department continues final synthesis of review notes and team meetings in order to provide meaningful feedback to districts.

Cross team discussions during the review of submitted district CNAs/SAU Consolidated Plans afforded the Maine DOE  a unique opportunity to identify trends in challenges and successes experienced by  schools and districts across the state.  As a result of this review, the Department has developed a series of professional development and learning opportunities related to assessment and instructional practice. Full details including the list of dates will soon be available on the Maine DOE Professional Development & Training Calendar – at this time a listing can viewed in the following downloadable excel listing:

2018 Professional Development & Learning Opportunities (excel)

The first session of the series will be conducted via webinar and will focus on a Balanced Assessment System. This session will include an overview of the planned opportunities and timeline in addition to reviewing the key components of a Balanced Assessment System. Registration details regarding this session can be found below.

Session: Balanced Assessment Systems
Location: Webinar
Date & Time: September 26, 2018 at 2 pm
Join the Webinar (no registration necessary)

For further information please contact Janette Kirk, Deputy Director, Office of Learning Systems at Janette.Kirk@maine.gov or 624-6707.