The Maine DOE is encouraging districts to review new guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services regarding how to more effectively communicate with public schools students with hearing, vision or speech disabilities.
Category: Special Education
Commissioner’s Update – March 5, 2015
From the Maine Department of Education
With the window for giving the new online Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced opening in less than two weeks, we want to make sure you have the resources you need to feel prepared for a successful test administration.
On our assessment website, you can find an extensive library of administration materials. With so many supports available, we wanted to draw your attention to a few including:
- The Online Test Administration Manual, which includes information on the rules of online testing and ensuring security, testing time and recommended order of administration, establishing appropriate testing conditions, tasks to complete prior to testing, details of the actual testing administration, scripts for Test Administrators, and how to respond to any testing improprieties, irregularities and/or breaches.
- Our Frequently Asked Questions, which provide answers to common queries on topics like roles for testing, participation requirements, paper-pencil vs. computer-adaptive testing, accessibility and much more.
- A guide specifically outlining supports for English learners as well as the test directions translated into 17 different languages.
Notices and Reporting
- Regional School Calendar, due April 14 (Reminder)
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
UMPI and MSSM partner to help high school students earn associate degrees
PRESQUE ISLE — Beginning this fall, students attending the Maine School of Science and Mathematics will be able to take advantage of the most comprehensive early-college pathway in Maine. | More
Department releases updated IEP Procedural Manual
The Maine DOE has released an updated Maine State Individualized Education Program (IEP) Procedural Manual which can be found here on its website. | More
Save the date for Maine DOE special services webinar
The Maine DOE Office of Special Services is encouraging special education administrators to save the date for the Department’s upcoming annual training on the Local Entitlement Application. | More
Department continues to seek feedback on ESEA waiver in advance of renewal
In preparation for Maine’s application for a renewal of its existing ESEA waiver, the Department continues to seek feedback on how the State’s current accountability and improvement system is serving Maine’s students and schools. | More
Alternate assessment registration continues
Registration remains underway for the National Center and State Collaborative Alternate Assessment (NCSC) that will be used to assess students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in mathematics and English language arts. | More
Applications open for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Applications are now being accepted to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) in the 2015-16 school year. | More
Professional standards released for food service staff
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a final rule establishing national professional standards for all school nutrition employees. | More
Maine students to compete in state poetry finals next Wednesday
The 10 Maine students who will compete next week in the 2015 Maine State Finals for Poetry Out Loud – a National Poetry Recitation Contest – have been named. | More
More Dispatches | Press Releases | From the Commissioner
LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Education Specialist II – Student Assistance Coordinator
- Education Specialist II – Early Childhood Development – Pre-School Expansion Project Manager (Limited Period)
- Education Specialist III – Adult Education Consultant Special Projects Director
- Request for Proposal: Maine College Transition Services
- Request for Proposal: MLTI Student Conference
- Request for Proposal: Educator Credentialing System
- Request for Proposal: 21st Century Community Learning Center Program
- View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here
Department releases updated IEP Procedural Manual
The Maine DOE has released an updated Maine State Individualized Education Program (IEP) Procedural Manual which can be found here on its website.
Continue reading “Department releases updated IEP Procedural Manual”
Save the date for Maine DOE special services webinar
The Maine DOE Office of Special Services is encouraging special education administrators to save the date for the Department’s upcoming annual training on the Local Entitlement Application for FY16 and the Year End Report for FY15.
Continue reading “Save the date for Maine DOE special services webinar”
Alternate assessment registration continues
Registration remains underway for the National Center and State Collaborative Alternate Assessment (NCSC) that will be used to assess students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in mathematics and English language arts.
Continue reading “Alternate assessment registration continues”
Commissioner’s Update – February 26, 2015
From the Maine Department of Education
Earlier this week, the Department reached out to Maine educators to detail our efforts to better support the continued quality and manageable implementation of key initiatives that will improve teaching and learning in Maine, including the administration of new assessments, educator evaluation and the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas.
To reiterate, as part of our ongoing efforts to support meaningful implementation of new systems that improve the college and career readiness of Maine students, the Department is committed to:
- Providing $4 million to support districts with proficiency-based diploma transition costs
- Increasing training and assistance to ensure success of new online assessment
- Not issuing A-F school report cards in 2015 but resuming doing so in 2016
- Keeping the field apprised of legislation that could extend PEPG system pilots another year
- Providing $5 million for professional development to support local evaluation system development
The Department hopes this increased funding and flexibility helps to alleviate anxiety in the field so educators can focus on what is most important: helping all Maine students reach their full potential.
Notices and Reporting
- Highly Qualified Teacher Data, due March 31
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Acting Education Commissioner to visit Baxter Academy Friday
Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner Tom Desjardin will visit the Baxter Academy for Technology & Science on Friday to see how the innovative new public school is engaging its students through hands-on group learning. The visit marks the first time a sitting education commissioner has toured a Maine public charter school. | More
Maine DOE reminds schools of roof snow load hazard
The Maine DOE is reminding districts that the heavy snowfall this winter may be straining school roofs. | More
MEA Science Alternate (PAAP) registration ends March 1
Registration for this year’s Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) closes this Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m. | More
Registration underway for alternate assessment for math, ELA
Registrations are currently being collected from special educations directors by the Maine DOE for the National Center and State Collaborative Alternate Assessment (NCSC) that will be used to assess mathematics and English language arts. | More
Maine DOE seeks Visual and Performing Arts Specialist
The Maine DOE is seeking applicants to fill the position of Visual and Performing Arts Specialist. | More
Department offers special services related guidance
The Maine DOE’s Office of Special Services is reminding all contracted service providers who provide services to children that they must undergo a Criminal History Record Check. This includes transportation providers such as cab drivers. | More
Maine DOE shares guidance related to NCAA student eligibility
The Maine DOE is offering guidance to Maine schools related to the expectations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for courses. | More
Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application
The Maine DOE is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities. | More
More Dispatches | Press Releases | From the Commissioner
LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Education Specialist II – Student Assistance Coordinator
- Education Specialist II – Early Childhood Development – Pre-School Expansion Project Manager (Limited Period)
- Public Service Manager II – Education Team Coordinator – Educator Certification
- Request for Proposal: Educator Credentialing System
- Request for Proposal: 21st Century Community Learning Center Program
- View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here
Acting Education Commissioner to visit Baxter Academy Friday
The visit marks the first by a Maine Education Commissioner to one of the state’s six new public charter schools
PORTLAND – Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner Tom Desjardin will visit the Baxter Academy for Technology & Science on Friday to see how the innovative new public school is engaging its students through hands-on group learning.
The visit marks the first time a sitting education commissioner has toured a Maine public charter school since Governor Paul R. LePage signed legislation making Maine the 41st state to allow public charters and expanded the opportunity Maine students have to attend the school that is in their best interest. Continue reading “Acting Education Commissioner to visit Baxter Academy Friday”
MEA Science Alternate (PAAP) registration ends March 1
Registration for this year’s Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP) closes this Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m.
Continue reading “MEA Science Alternate (PAAP) registration ends March 1”
Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application
The Maine DOE is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities.
Continue reading “Comments sought on Maine’s IDEA Part B application”
Department offers special services related guidance
The Maine DOE’s Office of Special Services is reminding all contracted service providers who provide services to children that they must undergo a Criminal History Record Check. This includes transportation providers such as cab drivers.
Continue reading “Department offers special services related guidance”
Maine DOE Newsroom 