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”
Category: Special Education
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.
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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.
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Maine DOE shares assessment EL support information
The Maine DOE has released new resources relating to supports available for English learners taking the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced.
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Maine seeks feedback on IDEA Part C application
Maine is seeking input on its application for the Part C (birth through two) program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA. The Part C budget is for State Fiscal Year 2016.
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Feb. 11 deadline to sign up students for paper-pencil assessment
The following Priority Notice was sent on Feb. 4 to District/System Administrators and School Coordinators for the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced, alerting them of the Feb. 11 deadline by which to request individual students be provided paper-pencil tests.
Continue reading “Feb. 11 deadline to sign up students for paper-pencil assessment”
Department webinar to overview new assessment accommodations
The Maine DOE Office of Special Services will host a webinar on Jan. 23 from 9 to 10 a.m. to overview the features and accommodations that will be available with the new online Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced.
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MEA Alternate Science (PAAP) training webinar announced
The Maine DOE and Measured Progress will conduct a training webinar on Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. for those involved with administration of this year’s Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP). Continue reading “MEA Alternate Science (PAAP) training webinar announced”
Maine DOE offers clarification on scope of practice for Certificate 079: Special Education Consultant
In response to questions regarding the scope of practice for Certificate 079: Special Education Consultant, the Department is providing the following guidance:
The Code of Maine Regulations (05-071 CMR Chapter 115 Parts I and II) contains the requirements for certification, authorization and approval of educational personnel who serve in public and certain approved private schools. Continue reading “Maine DOE offers clarification on scope of practice for Certificate 079: Special Education Consultant”
Commissioner’s Update – October 30, 2014
From Maine Education Commissioner Jim Rier
Earlier this year, the Department released six options by which districts could apply for extensions to fully implementing systems to support the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas starting in 2018.
I continue to be appreciative of the positive feedback we regularly receive in response to offering that flexibility. Many educators and district leaders have commented that while they had initially been uncertain about the extension application process, it ended up being a valuable opportunity for reflection that helped focus local efforts moving forward to best ensure quality implementation.
But nothing has been more encouraging than seeing the high number of extension applications and confirmations of readiness that the Department received by the Oct. 18 final deadline. To date, 95 applications/confirmations representing 99 high schools have been submitted and we have been contacted by superintendents representing seven other high schools that their applications are forthcoming following local school board approval. This overwhelming response reflects the statewide commitment to better preparing our students for college and career success.
Notices and Reporting
- School Bus Purchase Program Application (NEO Transportation)(EF-T-17), due Nov. 25
- NCLB Title I Comparability, due Nov. 25
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Commissioner Rier: Planning for 2014-15 statewide assessment success
Though the March 16 through May 29, 2015 window schools have for administering this new Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy is months away, there is already significant work underway across the state to ensure staff and students are prepared for success. | More
Maine DOE welcomes new assessment and accountability staff
Charlene Tucker and Nancy Godfrey have joined Maine DOE as members of the assessment and accountability team. | More
Workshops offered for suicide prevention
The Maine Suicide Prevention Program is offering a series of workshops for school personnel to create and strengthen protocols around suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. | More
Maine DOE proposing rules to public preschool programs
The Maine DOE is proposing rules pertaining to public preschool programs. | More
Input sought for teacher shortage areas
The Maine DOE has been notified of the requirement to submit Maine teacher shortage areas by Dec. 11 for designation by the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) for the 2015-2016 school year. | More
RFP issued for education-related services for homeless children and youth
The Maine DOE has reissued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids to develop and implement programs providing educational and related services under the McKinney-Vento Act. | More
School food service employees recognized for years of service
The Maine DOE and Maine School Nutrition Association recently honored several local school food service staff members for their 20 years or more of service at their fall conference. | More
Hyde School to host Maine Youth Leadership Day, students invited
Hyde School in Bath will be hosting its second annual Maine Youth Leadership Day on Nov. 6. | More
Portland Public Schools publish learning guides for families
A series of new learning guides for families that outline what students in kindergarten through grade five are expected to know and be able to master in mathematics and English language arts has been developed by Portland Public Schools. | More
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