Report annual use of restraint and seclusion

Schools and other educational entities covered by Department of Education Rule Chapter 33 are required to report annually on the use of restraint and seclusion of students. This reporting requirement took effect on July 1, 2012, as part of the comprehensive revision of Rule Chapter 33.

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Additions made to special education Q&A

The Maine Department of Education maintains an online collection of Frequently Asked Questions about special education. Recently, the Maine DOE has added four new questions and answers to the FAQ. One is about the Advance Written Notice; two are about the Individualized Education Program; and a fourth is about the Written Notice. In addition, one question and answer about the Summary of Performance form has been amended.

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Maine CITE program supports adaptive technology loan fund

Thanks to mPower Loan Fund for sharing this information with the Maine DOE for publication.

The mPower Loan Fund, which provides loans for adaptive equipment with the support of the Maine Department of Education’s Maine CITE program, announced Monday that two of their representatives participated in the RESNA Catalyst Project meeting in Washington, D.C., last week. Maine CITE was the driving force behind the mPower board obtaining $750,000 in additional federal funds five years ago.

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Contribute to SBAC by joining Maine’s State Network of Educators

Update: The deadline for this application has been extended to June 14.

Maine, a member of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, is seeking educators who have significant experience in formative assessment and deep knowledge of the Common Core State Standards to join Maine’s State Network of Educators (SNE). The Maine DOE invites K-12 teachers and administrators and higher educational professionals to apply if they have experience working with the following student populations: general education, gifted and talented, English language learners and students with disabilities. Continue reading “Contribute to SBAC by joining Maine’s State Network of Educators”

Clarification on triennial evaluations of students with disabilities

The federal IDEA and Maine’s special education regulations require a reevaluation of a child with a disability if the school administrative unit (SAU) determines that the educational or related service needs of the child, including those related to improved academic achievement and functional performance, warrant a reevaluation or if the child’s parent or teacher requests one. Continue reading “Clarification on triennial evaluations of students with disabilities”

Meeting offered for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders are invited to attend the Critical Decisions: The Journey to Adulthood for Your Son/Daughter with ASD meeting, sponsored by the Maine DOE and the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. This meeting will be held Monday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the University of Maine, Orono in the Union.

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USED announces Equitable Services Implementation Plan

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a plan for improving the implementation of equitable services requirements under applicable programs authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The plan, which aligns with current statutory and regulatory requirements, demonstrates the U.S. DOE’s commitment to ensure effective implementation of these equitable services provisions. Continue reading “USED announces Equitable Services Implementation Plan”