Category: Special Education

Nearly 500 Individuals Gather for Maine’s Second Annual Inclusive Education Conference

Pictured from left to right: Kate MacLeod, University of Maine at Farmington (UMF); Rebekah Drysdale, MSAD 52 Director of Special Services; Jessica Apgar, UMF; Amy Mousseau, Turner Elementary Educator; Mallory Murphy, Turner Elementary Educator; Sue Poto, Turner Elementary Educator; Sam Albert, Turner Elementary Educator; Kristen Conway, Turner Elementary Principal 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in partnership with the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), proudly hosted the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center, welcoming nearly 500 educators, administrators, families, and community partners from across the state.

Centered on the theme “Reimagining Education: We Are Better Together,” the conference celebrated Maine’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students—particularly those with disabilities—can learn and thrive in inclusive classroom environments.

The event featured a keynote address from internationally recognized inclusion expert Paula Kluth, founder of Inclusion Rules. Kluth inspired attendees to rethink traditional approaches to education and to embrace inclusive practices that honor the strengths and potential of every learner.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a wide range of sessions highlighting innovative practices in inclusive education. Three of Maine’s inclusive education model schools offered powerful insights into their journeys toward more inclusive systems. Members of these schools shared candid reflections on the barriers they have encountered, such as shifting mindsets, redesigning service delivery, and building staff capacity, alongside strategies that have supported their progress. Importantly, they also presented data demonstrating measurable successes, including increased time in general education settings, improved student outcomes, and stronger engagement among students and staff.


Additional sessions explored Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs), and strategies to support students from pre-K through the transition to adulthood. A powerful student roundtable highlighted lived experiences that brought authentic insight into what inclusion truly looks and feels like in Maine schools. The day also featured a family and parent panel, emphasizing the critical role of strong school-family partnerships in fostering belonging, access, and meaningful participation for all students.

From left to right: Page Cadorette, Downeast School Educator; Katrina Rutherford, Downeast School Educator; and Sarah Vickers, Downeast School Principal
From left to right: Page Cadorette, Downeast School Educator; Katrina Rutherford, Downeast School Educator; and Sarah Vickers, Downeast School Principal

“This conference reflects the energy, dedication, and shared vision of educators and families across Maine,” said Maine DOE Special Projects & Educator Supports Coordinator Tracy Whitlock. “When we come together to learn from one another, we strengthen our ability to create schools where every student belongs and succeeds.”

From left to right: Amy Mousseau, Turner Elementary Educator; Mallory Murphy, Turner Elementary Educator; Kyla Greenwood, Turner Elementary Educator; Kristen Conway, Turner Elementary Principal.
From left to right: Amy Mousseau, Turner Elementary Educator; Mallory Murphy, Turner Elementary Educator; Kyla Greenwood, Turner Elementary Educator; Kristen Conway, Turner Elementary Principal.

This conference is part of a broader, ongoing partnership between the Maine DOE and the UMF to expand inclusive education across the state. This work includes:

  • The Maine Inclusive Education Framework.
  • A statewide inclusive education leadership network supporting school and district leaders.
  • An annual inclusive education leadership symposium in the fall.
  • The upcoming Inclusive Education Instructional Practices Webinar Series, launching in the fall of 2026.
From left to right: Shannon Bartash, Leeds Central Principal; Becca Burke, Leeds Central Educator; Christine Brown, Leeds Central Educator; and Caroline Peinado, Leeds Central Educator
From left to right: Shannon Bartash, Leeds Central Principal; Becca Burke, Leeds Central Educator; Christine Brown, Leeds Central Educator; and Caroline Peinado, Leeds Central Educator

Together, these initiatives aim to build educator capacity, strengthen leadership, and ensure sustainable, high-quality inclusive practices in schools statewide.

Building on the success of this year’s event, the Maine DOE is pleased to announce that the next Maine Inclusive Education Conference is planned for April 2027.

For more information about inclusive education initiatives in Maine, please visit the Maine DOE website.

Grant Opportunity Announcement: Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.

Through this program, grants totaling up to $50,000 will be awarded to institutions of higher education across the state to develop and implement high-quality, inclusive program plans. These programs are intended to ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to academic coursework, campus life, and meaningful credential pathways, while building the skills needed for competitive, integrated employment and independent living.

Application Information

In the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program application, applicants must outline how their institution plans to:

  • Provide inclusive access to academic courses, campus activities, and institutional resources alongside peers without disabilities.
  • Offer individualized supports that promote full participation, self-determination, and successful outcomes.
  • Include peer mentoring opportunities.
  • Support pathways to competitive employment.
  • Develop meaningful, recognized credentials for program completion.
  • Align, where appropriate, with federal Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program requirements.
  • Design admissions processes that remove traditional barriers, including requirements for a high school diploma or standardized college entrance exams, to allow for Maine public school students to participate in dual enrollment.
  • Dedicate at least 25% of grant funds to scholarships for participating students.
  • Demonstrate meaningful engagement with interested parties, including students, families, educators, and community partners, in the development of the proposed program.

Interested institutions of higher education in Maine may apply here.

Awards will be made based on alignment with program priorities. Applications are due on May 13, 2026, and decision notifications will be sent on May 19, 2026. Funded institutions will be required to submit semiannual reports outlining program sustainability, support needs, and evaluation findings, including best practices.

This opportunity is a result of LD 46, An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Increase Postsecondary Educational Opportunities for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

For additional information or questions, please contact Maine DOE Special Projects for Inclusion Coordinator Tracy Whitlock at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov.

PRIORITY NOTICE: Opportunities for Public Comment on Maine’s IDEA Part B and Part C Applications

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking public comment on its annual applications for federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including both Part B and Part C. These applications support services for children and youth with disabilities across Maine, from infancy through age 22.

Public Notice – IDEA Part B

IDEA Part B covers services for children and youth with disabilities ages 3 through 22. The Federal fiscal year 2026 Part B application, effective July 1, 2026, will be posted from March 20, 2026, through May 20, 2026. (Please refer to the Federal fiscal year 2025 award amount spreadsheet for additional reference.) Written comments will be accepted from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, through 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Comments on Part B should be sent to Erin Frazier at erin.frazier@maine.gov or 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. 

Public Notice – IDEA Part C

IDEA Part C covers early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and/or suspected disabilities from birth to age 3. The Federal fiscal year 2026 Part C application, effective July 1, 2026, will be posted from March 20, 2026, through May 20, 2026. Written comments will be accepted from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, through 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Comments on Part C should be sent to Ariana Whiting at ariana.whiting@maine.gov or 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

Public comment is also being sought on the following updated policies:

A public hearing will be held on April 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. to provide an overview of these policies. Please use this Zoom link to join that meeting. Comments on these policies should be sent by April 30, 2026, to Ariana Whiting at ariana.whiting@maine.gov or 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

Collaborative Learning Series – ‘Unlocking Multilingual Learners’ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible’

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of evidence-based instructional practices for multilingual learners? Would dedicated time to collaborate with colleagues, reflect on practice, and translate research into actionable strategies for your classroom, school, or school administrative unit (SAU) be valuable?

If so, consider joining a five-part professional learning series designed for Maine educators and centered on the book, Unlocking Multilingual Learners’ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible. The series is developed and facilitated by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Teacher Leader Fellow Rebecca Carey, with book author and national expert Diane Staehr Fenner joining select sessions.

Each participant will receive a copy of the book and explore high-impact instructional practices that support multilingual learners’ academic success, engagement, and sense of belonging. Sessions emphasize asset-based approaches, language development, and equitable access to rigorous content across subject areas. They will include structured learning, grounded in the text and current research; facilitated discussions and collaborative activities; time for instructional planning and integration; and opportunities for application, feedback, and resource sharing.

Intended Audience

  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers and specialists
  • General education teachers across grade levels and content areas
  • Instructional coaches
  • School and SAU administrators
  • Any educators supporting multilingual learners

Schedule 

Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom from 3:30-5 p.m. on:

  • March 16, 2026 (featuring author Diane Staehr Fenner)
  • April 2, 2026   
  • April 30, 2026
  • May 14, 2026 (featuring author Diane Staehr Fenner)
  • June 2, 2026

Complimentary books will be provided to the first 45 registrants who commit to attending all five sessions, as full participation is required to receive a copy. Additional participants are welcome to join and may purchase the book independently.  Participants may earn 10 total contact hours, including 7.5 hours of live participation and 2.5 hours of supplemental work. 

Registration is required. Please register here.

The Teacher Leader Fellows program is a part of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist, at jane.armstrong@maine.gov.

Professional Learning Series – ‘Beyond Compliance: Integrated Supports for Multilingual Learners with Disabilities’

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is offering a new, six-part professional learning series titled, “Beyond Compliance: Integrated Supports for Multilingual Learners with Disabilities,” to be facilitated by Maine DOE Teacher Leader Fellow Melissa Frans.

When students are both multilingual learners and students with disabilities, the supports they receive sometimes operate in parallel rather than in partnership. In Maine during the 2024-2025 school year, 17 percent of identified multilingual learners were also identified as requiring special education services. This data underscores the importance of coordinated, interdisciplinary approaches that address language development and disability-related needs together rather than separately.

This new professional learning series will promote a collaborative, integrated approach and support educators in designing cohesive systems that build on student strengths while aligning ,supports across language development and disability services. Participants will move beyond compliance-driven practices toward meaningful, coordinated action that addresses the full range of student strengths and needs.

Through active, collaborative learning, teams will:

  • Build unified support systems.
  • Integrate asset-based instructional models.
  • Co-create and apply practical resources.
  • Exchange feedback and strategies.
  • Engage in professional dialogue grounded in real-world practice.

Audience 
Interdisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged to attend together. This opportunity is relevant for: 

  • Classroom teachers. 
  • Special educators. 
  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) specialists. 
  • Instructional coaches. 
  • Interventionists. 
  • Special education and multilingual directors/coordinators. 
  • School and school administrative unit (SAU) administrators. 

Schedule
Virtual sessions (via Zoom) will be held on the following Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.: 

  • March 4 and 18, 2026
  • April 1 and 15, 2026
  • May 6 and 20, 2026

Participants may earn 12 total contact hours, including nine hours of live participation and three hours of supplemental work. Registration is required; please register here. 

This series reflects the Maine DOE’s ongoing commitment to helping schools implement cohesive, student-centered systems that integrate language development and disability-related supports. Offered through the Teacher Leader Fellows program within the Office of Teaching and Learning, it is part of the Maine DOE’s broader effort to strengthen instructional leadership statewide.

The Maine DOE Multilingual Learner Dashboard offers educators and leaders an interactive view of key data to inform decisions and strengthen support for multilingual learners statewide.

For more information or with questions, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE ESOL State Specialist, at Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov.

Register for the Second Annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8

Registration is now open for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center.

This year’s conference theme is, “Reimagining Education: We Are Better Together!” The event will provide school communities (i.e., educators, administrators, families, and students) with the tools necessary to collaborate to support every student—particularly those with disabilities—to ensure that all students have the support they need to build inclusive, meaningful futures.

Hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine at Farmington, the conference will feature keynote speaker Paula Kluth. Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is the author of more than 15 titles, including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom, Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?, and You’re Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom.

Please gather a team of your school colleagues and join the Maine DOE in Augusta this spring! The cost of the day-long conference (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $185 for early-bird registration and $210 after March 11, 2026. Lunch will be included.

You may register for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference here.  

Are you engaged in inclusive work in your school or community? If so, the Maine DOE welcomes you to share your experiences at the conference! Please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects for Inclusion Coordinator, at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov to learn more.

Two-Part Professional Learning Series: Designing High-Quality ILAP Language Goals for Multilingual Learners

Are you looking for a clearer, more confident approach to creating effective language goals for multilingual learners? If so, consider participating in a two-part virtual series, led by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Teacher Leader Fellow Rebecca Carey. Participants will learn how to strengthen their practice surrounding Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs) by engaging in a clear and collaborative process for creating meaningful, measurable language goals that support and monitor student growth, connecting directly to classroom learning

Every multilingual learner must have an ILAP—a required, school-based plan designed to reflect and support their language development needs. High-quality ILAPs include well-crafted language goals that are measurable, instructionally relevant, and aligned to students’ learning contexts.In these sessions, participants will:

  • Learn effective approaches to developing high-quality language goals.
  • Engage with a variety of WIDA resources to support language goal development.
  • Explore collaborative pathways and approaches for ILAP development.
  • Draft, refine, and receive feedback on language goals with guided support.

These sessions are intended for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, directors/coordinators of multilingual programs, and general education teachers who support multilingual learners. Each session includes one hour of structured learning, followed by 30 minutes of guided workshopping, discussion, and sharing. Participants who attend both sessions will receive three contact hours.

This two-part virtual series will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on:

  • Monday, January 12, 2026
  • Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Registration is required. Please register here.

The Teacher Leader Fellows program is a part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE ESOL State Specialist, at jane.armstrong@maine.gov.

School Interest Form Available for Third Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the Transition Maine Regional Transition Collaborative Fellows, invites you to save the date for the third annual “I Belong” Youth Summit, to be held at Central Maine Community College in Auburn on May 21, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A school interest form is available for those planning to bring students to the event: Access the School Interest Form here. The School Interest Form is due by April 1.

The “I Belong” Youth Summit invites schools from across Maine to join a transformative initiative designed specifically for transition-aged students with disabilities. This dynamic gathering goes beyond traditional career fairs to offer meaningful exploration, skill-building, and work-based learning opportunities tailored to each student’s interests and abilities. Check out this article about the second annual “I Belong” Youth Summit.

By participating in this event, you will become part of a statewide movement to reshape post-secondary pathways for all Maine students with disabilities. Your involvement creates ripple effects of opportunity:

  • Students discover career paths they may never have considered, building confidence and practical skills for their future.
  • Educators gain valuable resources, evidence-based practices, and direct connections with industry partners.
  • Businesses develop tomorrow’s workforce, while fulfilling community engagement goals.

Help your students find where they belong in Maine’s future workforce. The “I Belong” Youth Summit provides a student-centered environment for youth to explore career pathways at their own pace, connect with potential employers, and envision new possibilities for their lives after school. Together, we can create a more inclusive, opportunity-rich future for Maine’s students with disabilities.

For more information, please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects and Educator Supports Coordinator, at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Highlights Resources and Opportunities for Dyslexia Awareness Month

As part of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) mission to promote the best learning opportunities for all Maine students, the Maine DOE remains committed to supporting schools by offering resources that meet the needs of all families, students, caregivers, educators, and school systems.

In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, the Maine DOE invites schools, families, and communities to explore resources designed to:

  • Build awareness and understanding of dyslexia and its characteristics.
  • Emphasize the importance of early screening, intervention, and appropriate support.
  • Guide effective instruction for striving readers, including students with dyslexia, across all grade levels and learning environments.

Together, we can increase knowledge, foster awareness, and ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive as readers and learners.

Learn More About Dyslexia

The following organizations provide reliable, research-based materials regarding dyslexia to dispel myths, strengthen understanding, and highlight the importance of early identification and intervention:

Maine DOE Dyslexia Advisory Group

The Maine DOE’s Dyslexia Advisory Group meets four times per year and includes educators, administrators, parents, and advocates who work collaboratively to increase awareness and improve support for striving readers, including those with dyslexia.

The advisory group is currently accepting applications to expand membership and representation. Maine residents interested in serving are encouraged to complete this short application form by December 12, 2025.

For additional information, resources, or support in increasing dyslexia awareness in your school or district, please contact Danielle Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist and Dyslexia Coordinator, at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov.

Professional Learning Series: Developing Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs) for Multilingual Learners with Collaboration and Instructional Planning in Mind

Are you new to Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPS) or looking to strengthen your team’s approach? Do you serve a small multilingual learner population and want a practical framework that ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines and promotes student growth? If so, consider attending a two-part virtual series that the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is hosting to offer a clear, collaborative process for developing ILAPS that reflect each student’s language profile, strengths, and instructional needs.

An ILAP is a required, school-based plan for every student identified as a multilingual learner. An effective ILAP clarifies educator roles, targets timely and individualized supports, and honors students’ identities and assets to foster growth, engagement, and belonging. Led by Maine DOE Teacher Leader Fellows Rebecca Carey and Melissa Frans, this series will help participants to learn how to design ILAPs that meet state and federal requirements, while advancing equity, access, and belonging through intentional instructional planning and partnership.

Format:

Participants must attend both sessions of this series. Each session includes one hour of structured learning followed by 30 minutes of collaborative sharing and discussion. Registration is required. Please register here.

Session Topics:

Intended Audience:

English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, directors/coordinators of multilingual programs, and general education teachers who support multilingual learners may find this series beneficial. Participants will develop actionable, collaborative approaches to ILAPs aligned with WIDA Standards and supportive of instructional planning.

Schedule:

This two-part virtual series will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on:

  • Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • Thursday, November 6, 2025

Participants who attend both sessions will receive three contact hours.

The Teacher Leader Fellows program is a part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist, at jane.armstrong@maine.gov.