Category: Maine DOE Update

Commissioner’s Update – November 5, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE is proud to report the distribution of 139 grants to school administrative units (SAUs) across the state of $4,600 each to support the development of performance evaluation and professional growth (PEPG) systems. The grant money was available to any school district that submitted their Intent to Pilot survey and submitted the PEPG Grant Application.

The grant funds will be used in a variety of PEPG development areas including training related to teachers and administrators in the professional practice models, student learning and growth measures, student learning objective (SLO) development, summative effectiveness ratings, implementation procedures, and PEPG language development. Other SAUs report plans to use the funds to help record and track their observation and evaluation data as part of their PEPG system.

The Department is currently in the process of reaching out to SAUs that did not pursue the grant monies by Oct. 15, to provide districts with technical assistance and guidance with compliance of Rule Chapter 180.

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Alcohol Awareness Day December 7

Community groups and schools across the state will be conducting activities to raise awareness about alcohol use and abuse on Monday, Dec. 7. | More

NCSC student report portal closes

The National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) Reporting Portal permanently closes this Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. | More

Guidelines for dyslexia and more

Last month was recognized as Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) month, and November is recognized to assist in raising awareness of the needs of children with learning and attention issues.| More

Training webinar for science assessment

Maine DOE and Measured Progress will conduct a training webinar on Nov. 17 from 2 – 4 p.m. for those teachers new to the administration of the Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP). | More

Maine DOE shares expertise at community meeting

Recently, three members of Maine DOE’s Standards and Instructional Support Team presented information to a local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. | More

Maine DOE announcing credentialing changes in 2016

Big changes are on the horizon in the way school personnel will receive credentialing in Maine. | More

Ways stay safe online

The internet plays a role in much of daily life at school, at work and at home.  October was National Cyber Security Awareness Month. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 29, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

Test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) were released Wednesday, Oct. 28.

AUGUSTA – Test scores from the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in grades 4 and 8, show Maine remains above the national average even as mathematics scores slightly declined and reading scores saw no statistical change.

The NAEP assessment is a 90 minute paper and pencil test providing a national yard stick of student achievement since 1969. This test is administered in grades 4 and 8 in randomly selected schools every other year. In Maine, about 2,500 students participated in each subject area, at each grade level. This assessment is consistent in all states including Department of Defense schools.

Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley said, “The greatest value of NAEP is it is a consistent, basic measurement that is designed to provide teachers, school administrators, parents, and business and community members a look at how Maine is doing compared to other states, and can be used for general comparison with other countries as well.”

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EPS funding calculation data needed now

It is imperative that you ensure your staff data is complete and accurate prior to the Nov. 13, 2015 deadline for the superintendent to certify your staff data. | More

A Guiding Principles resource for educators

The Maine DOE is offering support for educators (in understanding the spirit and intent of the Maine Learning Results Guiding Principles) by releasing a research-based set of descriptions titled, Understanding  the Guiding Principles. | More

Notice of proposed rule and rule changes: Chapters 176 and 23

The Maine DOE is proposing a repeal and replace of Chapter 23, a regulation related to the collection of staff information and Chapter 176, a new rule related to Child Development Services (CDS). | More

Maine DOE provides complimentary 2015-16 law books to superintendents

The Maine DOE acquired enough copies of the Maine Education and School Statutes 2015-2016 edition law book to distribute one at no charge to each superintendent of schools in Maine. | More

2015 Maine Native American history and culture essay contest

Maine DOE is pleased to notify schools of a contest sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State. | More

Walking School Bus Program application deadline

The Maine Walking School Bus Program continues to provide support to local schools on many fronts aimed to help Maine school children stay safe, keep physically active, increase learning, and promote good behavior. | More

A new way to teach

Maine’s 2015 Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Dorman, offered reflection on her teaching from attending the Maine DOE 2014 Summer Literacy Institute. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 22, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE welcomed Acting Commissioner Bill Beardsley this week. The following notice was distributed on Friday, Oct. 16 explaining the Governor’s appointment.

Beardsley-web

Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that Dr. William Beardsley will serve as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education. Dr. Beardsley is former president of Husson University and served as commissioner of the Department of Conservation.

“Bill has a strong track record in Maine and elsewhere, broad constituency support and a personal interest in education,” said Governor LePage. “Bill has contributed greatly to the Administration already and we are fortunate to have his support again.”

In writing to staff today, Acting Education Commissioner Tom Desjardin said, “While I had hoped to return to work Monday [from his Sept. 13 accident], when I do, it will be on a limited basis as I still have much healing to conquer…while Acting Deputy Commissioner Rachelle Tome has performed admirably in my absence, my medical condition should not put any further strain on the Department.”

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Maine DOE announces conditional assessment awardee

Maine DOE has made a conditional decision, based on a competitive process outlined by the Maine State Division of Purchases, to award Measured Progress, Inc. the contract to develop and deliver our Mathematics and ELA/Literacy assessment in 2015-16. | More

Maine leads the country (again!) in classroom technology and it’s a promise for educators

Maine DOE’s Learning Through Technology Team and the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) announces a new partnership with national education non-profit Digital Promise to bring micro-credentials to Maine’s educators. | More

Students recognize National School Bus Safety Week

Students and schools across the nation are recognizing 2015 National School Bus Safety Week this week, Oct. 19-23. | More

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day will be held this Friday, Oct. 23 on the last day of National School Bus Safety week. | More

Maine DOE co-sponsors Biennial Arts Education Conference

The Point Lookout Conference Center in Northport on Friday, Oct. 9 was abuzz with arts educators for the Biennial Statewide Arts Education conference, The Measure of Success. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 15, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Charter School Commission announces two charter school applications are moving forward.

AUGUSTA – On Oct. 26, the public will have the opportunity to weigh-in on two public charter schools proposed to open in Maine the fall of 2016.

Earlier today, review team members presented their recommendations on the four applications to the Maine Charter School Commission which voted to advance applications from Acadia Academy of the Lewiston-Auburn area and Snow Pond Arts Academy in Sidney.

The entire seven member Commission will now consider the proposed public schools and hold in-person interviews and public hearings on each application later this month before voting on Nov. 17. At this meeting, the Commission will decide whether to enter into contract negotiations with each applicant or deny the application. All proceedings are open to the public.

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Department reintroduces Administrative Letters

To better serve districts the Maine DOE is reintroducing Administrative Letters as an official form of communication. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes: Chapters 40 and 45

The Maine DOE is undertaking two rulemakings related to health with public hearings scheduled for Nov. 2. | More

Continued federal funding for preschool expansion grant

The Maine DOE is pleased to announce 12 school districts have joined the Department to open or expand high-quality public preschool programs in their communities. | More

MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made and more

The 2015-16 subsidy checks for General Purpose Aid for local schools will reflect adjustments for MaineCare Seed payments paid by the Maine DOE on behalf of school administrative units (SAUs). | More

Office of Special Services offers math opportunity

The Maine DOE Office of Special Services is offering a training opportunity for elementary school math teachers focusing on improving math proficiency for students with disabilities. | More

NCSC Student Reports available to Test Coordinators

On Oct. 12 the National Center for State Collaborative (NCSC), Maine’s 2015 alternate assessment for math and English language arts/literacy, made Student Reports available to all registered Test Coordinators. | More

Newsweek lists four Maine schools as “beating the odds”

Four Maine schools have been recognized as “beating the odds” by Newsweek magazine. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 8, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

edlundWhen you ask Talya Edlund’s students what they think of their third grade teacher, you will hear words like, “stupendous, epic, amazing, and fantastic.” When you ask the principal of Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth of this 15 year veteran educator, you hear the term “top-tier educator.”

It is these qualities and more that earned Talya Edlund the title of 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed to her in a surprise assembly at Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth on Monday.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Education Rachelle Tome announced Edlund had been selected as the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year of three finalists saying, “Talya Edlund embodies those exemplary characteristics we have seen in all of the stellar educators identified as 2015 County Teachers of the Year.  With her ‘think out of the box” approach to problem solving, tenacious attitude for overcoming challenges, zest for staying at the cutting edge of her craft, and uncanny insight into the needs of her students and colleagues, she is the teacher we all want our children to have and the colleague we hope to work with. Talya is a true inspiration and role model.”

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Interpreting math & ELA/literacy (Smarter Balanced) reports

This week the math and ELA/literacy parent/guardian student reports are being shipped to schools from Measured Progress. | More

Addressing chronic absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a national problem that has prompted a joint letter from national leaders including the U.S. Department of Education. | More

PEPG development grants Available

In an effort to support school administrative units (SAUs) develop their PEPG systems, the Maine DOE is proud to offer grants of $4,600 for the purpose of PEPG professional development. | More

Regional Title I parent involvement sessions

Maine DOE will conduct regional roundtable meetings in November to support and assist districts in understanding Title I requirements of parent involvement. | More

Invitation to participate in NECAP science inquiry task field test

Maine DOE is recruiting schools again this year to serve as field testing sites to administer the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Science Inquiry Tasks in grades 5, 8, and 11. | More

Reminder: Lunch served on early release days

Maine DOE is reminding districts the school lunch meal must be offered to students each school day, including planned half days and early release. | More

Input sought for teacher shortage areas

The Maine DOE has been notified of the requirement to submit Maine teacher shortage areas by Dec. 10 for designation by the U.S. DOE for 2016-17. | More

LEA indirect cost rate proposal webinar

Maine DOE’s contractor MAXIMUS will be providing a LEA ICRP training webinar on Oct. 20. | More

Call for student artwork

For over ten years, the Maine DOE and the Maine Arts Commission have been fortunate to celebrate excellence in Maine visual and performing arts education by hosting rotating student art exhibits. | More

Auburn hosts leveraging learning institute – iPads in primary grades

Educators are invited to attend Auburn School Department’s two-day Leveraging Learning institute on Oct. 28-30. | More

Fuel Up to Play wellness program

Maine schools are invited to participate in Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60), a wellness program with numerous benefits. | More

School bus replacement and retrofit rebate program

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) is now accepting applications for the 2015 School Bus Replacement and Retrofit Funding opportunity. | More

MAHPERD conference celebrating 70 years

Educators are encouraged to register now for the annual Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) conference on Nov. 1-3. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – October 1, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York and Minot Consolidated School in RSU 16 were among 335 public and private schools across the country named 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students demonstrate high achievement learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.

Each year, the Maine Department of Education is invited to nominate schools for this recognition. Acting Commissioner of Education Tom Desjardin says, “These nominees need to meet specific national criteria, and the process is quite detailed, so congratulations to Coastal Ridge Elementary and Minot Consolidated in being recognized as exemplary high performing schools; this is a huge honor.”

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Maine DOE no longer provides support for College Board assessments

For the 2015-16 school year, Maine DOE is not providing support for assessments beyond what is state-required, which is still being determined through the RFP process. | More

Changes regarding the upcoming Special Education Child Count

School administrative units are advised to verify the “Special Education Students for Federal Count” report in Infinite Campus and ensure that all student records in ICSE are updated by Oct. 15. | More

Be safe in sharing the road with school buses

In Maine, about 80 percent of students ride the school bus, and this ridership is high compared to 50 percent national student ridership. | More

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certified Teacher Salary Supplement – due Oct. 15

Superintendents are being reminded that Maine educators, who attained National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (or its successor organization) certification prior to July 1, may be eligible for a salary supplement for the 2015-16 school year. | More

Maine DOE implements fiscal risk assessment for SAUs receiving IDEA funds

Beginning with the FY 16 grant year, and due to the recent adoption of Uniform Guidance for federal grants (UG), Maine DOE Special Services has implemented a fiscal risk assessment tool. | More

Department releases 2016 leased space approvals

The Department has completed its review of FY 2016 leased space applications and posted the results online here. | More

Maine DOE seeks social studies teachers to become regional leaders

Maine DOE is inviting current social studies teachers of all grades and geographic regions of the state to be part of the inaugural Social Studies Community Teacher-Leader Group. | More

Educators invited to attend Social Studies DBQ Workshop series

Maine DOE is inviting teachers of grades 6-12 to participate in a two-part social studies workshop series scheduled for Nov. 5 and March 15 in Waterville. | More

Registration open for ATMNE regional math conference

Maine DOE and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine will welcome math educators from across New England this month for the regional Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England conference. | More

Spirit of Community Awards open for grades 5-12

Maine students in grades 5-12 who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service in the past year are invited to apply for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – September 24, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

Gov. LePage hosts Maine DOE and UMFK in the Cabinet Room
Gov. LePage hosts Maine DOE and UMFK in the Cabinet Room

The Maine Department of Education and the University of Maine at Fort Kent have announced a first-of-a-kind partnership to expand the number of options Maine students have to earn college credit while still in high school. This partnership was celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the State House where Governor LePage hosted Acting Deputy Commissioner Rachelle Tome, Program Specialist Abby Manahan, Retired UMFK President Wilson Hess, and UMFK’s Scott Voisine, Dean of Community Education. Maine DOE’s Acting Commissioner Tom Desjardin was also able to join for the event.

“We need to start looking ahead; I don’t want to lose the kids,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This partnership goes up and beyond the normal status of education in Maine.”

Starting this fall, high school students enrolled in 17 advanced placement (AP) courses throughout the state via the Maine DOE’s online AP4ALL program will have the option to be dually enrolled in those courses via UMFK’s Rural U program.

Dual enrollment is defined as the opportunity to earn college credit for a high school course with an approved course syllabus meeting college course standards and a teacher approved as a college adjunct instructor. By adding the dual enrollment option to eligible AP4ALL courses, high school juniors and seniors can choose to earn credit by passing the final AP exam and receiving a grade for the course from UMFK, becoming part of an official college transcript.

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Numbers of CTE students earning postsecondary credit increases

Approximately 250 high school students enrolled in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program will earn nearly 3,000 postsecondary credits during the 2015-16 school year. | More

New resources for professional learning

The Cross Discipline Literacy Network (CDLN) has archived 63 webinars searchable by specific topic or content. | More

Inclusion support for preschool children with disabilities

Children with disabilities and their families continue to face significant barriers to accessing inclusive high-quality early childhood programs. | More

Educator training on teaching suicide awareness and prevention

NAMI Maine, the Maine Suicide Prevention Program’s training contractor, is offering a Combination Lifelines and Middle School Lessons training session on Wednesday, Sept. 30. | More

Registration open for ACTEM conference

The Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) will be holding its annual statewide conference Oct. 15-16 at the Cross Center in Bangor. | More

High schools invited to register for Poetry Out Loud

Maine high schools are invited to register for Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide program that encourages youth to learn about poetry. | More

Healthy, active conference coming up

The Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) annual conference will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Samoset Resort. | More

It’s not rocket science, a conference focusing on engineering education

The Maine Science Teachers Association annual conference will be held Oct. 9 in Gardiner. | More

Upcoming arts education conference

The Maine Arts Leadership Initiative is hosting the Biennial Statewide Arts Education Conference on Oct. 9. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – September 17, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

During the month of August, over 400 PK-12 educators from across Maine attended two-day professional development institutes offered in Presque Isle, Brewer, Lewiston and Saco. The Pathways to Proficiency institute was designed to help teams of educators strengthen their understanding of Maine’s English language arts standards while also bolstering their knowledge of highly effective instructional strategies that support students in achieving proficiency.

Educators expanded their understanding of learning transfer, cognitive rigor and text complexity as they learned instructional strategies for close reading, writing from sources and vocabulary development. Participants also learned how to construct integrated units of study with text sets that focused on ELA and content-area standards.

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Standardized Assessment Scores for 2014-15

The 2014-15 Smarter Balanced Assessment scores in English language arts and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 and the third year of high school are available. | More

Maine is one of 16 states to gain federal approval on Educator Equity Plan

The U. S. Department of Education has approved Maine’s Educator Equity Plan aimed at increasing access to excellent educators. | More

Maine DOE issues RFP for math & ELA/literacy assessment

The Maine DOE has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking bids to provide statewide assessments online for mathematics & English language arts/literacy. | More

Annual notification of schoolwide program options

Schools that receive federal Title I funds, have poverty rates of at least 40 percent and have approved Title IA Schoolwide Plans are eligible to use their Title I funds – and funds from other sources – to develop “schoolwide programs.” | More

Harvest Lunch Week contest and local food on school menus

Maine Harvest Lunch Week will be celebrated by school districts across the state this year from Sept. 21-25, with the Maine School Garden Open House taking place on Sept. 26. | More

Maine DOE provides $1M in grant funds to CTE schools

Maine DOE is pleased to announce 27 Career and Technical Education schools will receive their share of $1 million in grant funds in FY 2016. | More

Academic eligibility policy

The Maine DOE has posted an example policy on academic eligibility for athletic and co-curricular participation. | More

Maine DOE to host schoolwide training

All Title I schools interested in developing a schoolwide plan are invited to attend two training sessions hosted by the Department this fall. | More

Maine DOE seeks social studies information

The Maine DOE is conducting a survey for social studies educators in prekindergarten through grade 12 to provide a snapshot of programming across the state and inform the Department’s work. | More

Reminder: Certification on Constitutionally Protected Prayer

Maine DOE is reminding school administrative units to complete and submit the Certification on Constitutionally Protected Prayer statement to the Department by Oct. 1. | More

Promoting school attendance

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a national event designed to bring attention to the connection between school attendance and academic achievement. | More

Maine DOE legislative summary available

Maine DOE has prepared a summary of major laws related to education enacted by the First Regular Session of the 127th Maine Legislature. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – September 10, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking bids to provide statewide assessments online for mathematics & English language arts/literacy in grades 3-8 and the third year of high school beginning in the spring of 2016.

The public notice can be viewed in the Kennebec Journal beginning Sept. 9. A copy of the RFP can be obtained by contacting the Department’s RFP Coordinator, Acting Assessment Coordinator, Nancy Godfrey who can be reached at nancy.godfrey@maine.gov or 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

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Providing parents with procedural safeguards electronically

A new section of the MUSER permits school administrative units to send certain documents, including the procedural safeguards, to parents electronically with their written consent. | More

Math and ELA/literacy results reminder – ORS versus iServices

There are two locations where the results from the spring 2015 MEA for mathematics and English language arts (ELA)/literacy. | More

Contractual service providers’ information needed

Maine DOE is requiring staff that require certification, authorization or approval (criminal history background checks) and are paid by schools under contractual agreements to be reported to the State staff information system, NEO Staff. | More

Office of Special Services offers professional development opportunity

The Maine DOE Office of Special Services is offering a training opportunity for high school special education teachers. | More

Intent to pilot survey results indicate SAUs are moving forward with PEPG systems

Initial results provide promising indications that districts are moving forward in implementing a comprehensive PEPG system. | More

Maine DOE partners with the UMF for mathematics coaching

Title I schools identified as Priority who demonstrate challenges with mathematics performance have the opportunity to utilize program improvement funds to support participation in the Maine Mathematics Coaching Project (MMCP). | More

Cross Disciplinary Literacy Network registration now open

Maine educators are invited to register for the Cross Discipline Literacy Network (CDLN), a professional learning network for 2015-16 school year. | More

Principals encouraged to nominate one student for U.S. Senate Youth Program

The Maine DOE encourages all high school principals to nominate one candidate for consideration to represent Maine in Washington, D.C. during the 54th Annual United States Senate Youth Program. | More

Deadline ahead for indirect cost rate application

The Maine DOE is reminding districts of the deadline for filing a letter of interest to submit indirect costs plans is next Friday, Sept. 18. | More

Upcoming workshops focus on connecting math instruction to support student engagement

The Maine DOE is inviting math educators across the state to a series of three workshops to support instruction and make connections to student engagement and understanding. | More

Maine DOE continues efforts with Guiding Principles

In August, the Maine DOE convened 33 educators to collect input on draft progressions for each of the five Guiding Principles. | More

Summer interns at Maine DOE

The Department hosted four interns this summer. MLTI and the Migrant Education Program benefited from the talent, energy and time of these college students. | More

Attendance matters

September is attendance awareness month; a nationwide event recognizing the connection between school attendance and academic achievement. | More

From ACEs to resilience

The first annual Thriving Maine Communities Conference, focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and resilience is being held for K-12 and post-secondary educators. | More

Osher New Beginnings scholarship now open

The Osher Scholarship, offered through the University of Maine System, has a new name and is available now. | More

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Commissioner’s Update – September 3, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education, in partnership with Educate Maine, recently named three teachers as state finalists for Maine’s 2016 Teacher of the Year. They were chosen from this year’s 16 County Teachers of the Year who were named in May at a celebration at the State House Hall of Flags.

The state finalists are:

  • Cumberland: Talya Edlund, Pond Cove Elementary School, Cape Elizabeth
  • Franklin: Brenda LaVerdiere, Academy Hill School, Wilton
  • Piscataquis: Mia Morrison, Foxcroft Academy, Dover-Foxcroft

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September observances in Maine schools

Four observances and recognition days occur in September that provide important civic learning opportunities, one of them is required by federal law. | More

Reminder of new certification hours for in-person visits

The Maine DOE is reminding individuals seeking to renew or apply for initial certification of new hours and a policy for in-person visits. | More

Districts must submit waiver affidavits for non-certified staff

Superintendents must now submit a Waiver Affidavit form for staff hired who do not hold the proper certification or endorsement required for the position. | More

Maine DOE clarifies Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status under ESEA waiver

The Maine DOE is clarifying Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status under the three-year waiver from the federal government allowing flexibility regarding specific requirements of the ESEA. | More

Community school pilots for the 2016-17 school year

The Maine DOE has been authorized per Public Law 2015, Chapter 267 to designate three community schools established in accordance with 20-A MRSA Chapter 333 as part of a five-year pilot project beginning in the 2016-17 school year. | More

Mentoring workshops offered for educators of gifted and talented

New and experienced gifted and talented educators will have an opportunity to learn new skills and practices at upcoming mentoring workshops. | More

Blended learning experience for educators of English learners

Maine DOE in collaboration with the University of Maine Project Reach is offering blended learning experience for educators of English learners. | More

Department provides support for computer-based administration of ACCESS 2.0

The Maine DOE continues to support schools as they prepare for a successful administration of the computer-based ACCESS FOR ELLs 2.0, Maine’s English language proficiency assessment for English learners. | More

Reclassification using Alternate ACCESS for ELLs composite score

Recent federal guidance allows Maine to define English language proficiency for an English learner with a disability who participates in Maine’s alternate English language proficiency (ELP) assessment, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs. | More

NEO Maine Schools Update form

The NEO Maine Schools Update form is required by school units to inform the Maine DOE of school and district contact information, changes in grade spans, and other district- and school-related information. | More

Suicide prevention trainings for school staff and administrators offered this fall

As the implementation of the Maine suicide prevention law requiring suicide awareness and prevention education for all school personnel moves forward, many schools are also considering what is being taught to students. | More

Transportation conference focuses on Maine’s most precious cargo and more

Over 400 school transportation staff throughout Maine attended the 44th Annual School Transportation Safety Conference at Sugarloaf this summer. | More

MLTI Summer Institute promotes PBE through technology

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) held its 2015 Summer Institute in July at Bowdoin College in Brunswick. | More

Educators from Maine Art Assessment Initiative participate in summit in nation’s capital

A team from the Maine Art Assessment Initiative (MAAI) was selected to participate in the Teach to Lead Summit in Washington, D.C. recently. | More

Department fills key positions to support schools

The Maine DOE is pleased to announce the addition of two veteran educators to the Standards and Instructional Support Team. Charles Lomonte and Beth Lambertwill step into the key roles of Educator Effectiveness Coordinator and Visual and Performing Arts Specialist, respectively. | More

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