Maine Learning Results standards, implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the development of the Next Generation Science Standards
Social studies teachers are invited to attend the 2013 Maine Council for the Social Studies Conference, “Content, Instruction and Technology: Standards-Based Approaches for 21st Century Learners.”
Continue reading “Social studies teachers invited to standards-based learning conference”
The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards is conducting a public review of substantive portions of draft high school national core arts standards for dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts, now through Monday, Oct. 21. Continue reading “Arts standards up for public review”
As part of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, all Maine schools annually assess the English language proficiency (ELP) of their English learners in kindergarten through grade 12 using Assessing Comprehension and Communications in English State to State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs®), a standards-based ELP assessment common throughout the state. The testing cycle for 2013-14 is as follows: Continue reading “Maine’s 2013-14 ACCESS for ELLs® testing cycle available”
Anita Bernhardt, the Maine DOE’s science and technology content specialist for the past six years, has been named the Department’s new coordinator for standards and instruction. The restructured position reflects the Department’s efforts to better support all Maine schools in their improvement efforts.
Continue reading “Bernhardt named coordinator for standards and instruction”
TOPSHAM – An elementary school in Topsham that has seen double-digit increases over the last five years in the percentage of its students deemed proficient is Maine’s National Blue Ribbon School.
The Williams-Cone School in RSU 75 was one of 236 public schools across the country named this morning by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan into the prestigious program that recognizes schools where students perform at very high levels or show significant improvements in closing achievement gaps.
Continue reading “Topsham elementary named National Blue Ribbon School”
The State Education Department’s action came in response to concerns from the adult education community about readiness to move to a fully computer-based test by 2014 as would be required with the current exam provider
AUGUSTA – In an effort to better support the college and career readiness of all Mainers, the State has chosen a new high school equivalency assessment provider.
Beginning in 2014, Maine will offer the ETS high school equivalency test program, known as HiSET, which covers the same content areas as the current GED and allows test-takers to demonstrate proficiency of the academic skills expected by employers and post-secondary institutions.
Continue reading “Maine replaces GED with new equivalency exam”
The Maine DOE Center for Best Practice (CBP) has created and posted five flyers designed to help districts move forward the conversation about the shift to a proficiency-based learning system. Continue reading “Proficiency-based learning resources available”
As you may have seen in the press, some concerns and questions have been raised recently about the Common Core standards in math and ELA, which the State incorporated into its Learning Results standards in 2011. Many of those concerns seem to stem from suspicions that the Common Core is an attempt by the federal government to influence education policy in the states and, as a consequence, that the adoption of these standards will diminish Maine’s longstanding tradition of local control as it regards things like curricula and instructional approaches. Continue reading “Affirming Maine’s commitment to high standards, implemented locally”
Teachers and administrators are reminded that Smarter Balanced practice tests are available all grade levels from 3 to 8 and at grade 11. These practice tests are an excellent way for teachers to preview what to expect in spring 2015, for students to get practice in online testing and for parents to begin to understand how the new tests will better assess student achievement and understanding of both content and concepts. Continue reading “Reminder: Smarter Balanced practice test available”
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed an executive order today affirming Maine’s commitment to protecting local education control and student privacy rights.
The Governor’s action prohibiting the influence of the federal government into Maine’s education policy comes after parents and educators have raised concerns about the Obama Administration’s attempts to hijack successful state-led education reforms, including more rigorous, relevant standards in mathematics and English language arts Maine voluntarily adopted in common with other states in 2011.
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Maine DOE Newsroom 