Category: Special Education

Scholarships available for educators of English learners

The University of Maine Project Reach program is inviting K-12 teachers across subject areas to apply to its scholarship program, which aims to improve classroom instruction for English learners (ELs) in Maine. The project focuses efforts on current teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and provides a variety of professional and financial assistance to help teachers complete the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement coursework.
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Providing physical education for children with disabilities

Under Maine’s system of learning results, each student is required to study and achieve proficiency in the eight content areas, including health, physical education and wellness.  In addition to State requirements, federal regulation implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that states  follow 34 CFR 300.108 Physical Education.

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Guidance on emailing IEPs, related documents to parents

The Maine DOE has received informal guidance from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) regarding whether a school administrative unit (SAU) may use electronic mail to provide parents with their child’s individualized education programs (IEPs) and related documentation, such as progress reports. If the parent and the SAU agree to the use of email for this purpose and the SAU takes the steps necessary to protect the integrity of the process, emailing IEPs and related documents to parents is allowed.

The attached letter provides the complete text of OSEP’s guidance on this matter.

If you have any questions, please contact Maine DOE Office of Special Services Director Jan Breton at janice.breton@maine.gov.

New federal provisions on maintenance of effort requirement under IDEA

A provision included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 2014 (signed by the President in January) sets forth the level of effort a local educational agency (LEA) must meet under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Part B in the year after it fails to maintain the level of local, or State and local, expenditures for the education of children with disabilities (known as LEA MOE). The provision is effective for the federal fiscal year 2014 Part B grants, which are awarded on July 1, 2014.

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Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP

The Maine DOE recently issued guidance regarding the provision of transportation to special education students.  In response to questions we’ve received as a result of that dispatch, the Department wishes to provide additional clarity. Continue reading “Additional guidance on transportation inclusion in IEP” →

Section 504 training scheduled for March 28

The Maine DOE will host Section 504 training on March 28 in Augusta.

Region I Office for Civil Rights staff will discuss the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and explain the responsibilities of public schools in the education of students with disabilities. Additionally, a Maine panel of Section 504 experts will discuss individual school administrative unit’s approaches to the implementation of Section 504.  There will be time in each presentation for questions and answers. Continue reading “Section 504 training scheduled for March 28” →

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” →