Regional teacher events to focus on new science standards

Note: Additional forums have been scheduled since the initial publication of this announcement. Those forums marked by an * are new additions to the schedule.

Science teachers and others are invited to attend a “Dine and Discuss” event in their region in December or January to learn about the recently released “Framework for K-12 Science Education” document from the National Academies of Science and the upcoming development of the Next Generation Science Education Standards.

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Maine up in 8th grade math; flat elsewhere

Ed commissioner calls for focus on literacy in light of latest NAEP scores

AUGUSTA – Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen said nationwide test results released today are modestly encouraging in some areas, but point to the need for more and better sharing of best practices and resources across the state. He called on his Department and schools to undertake a concerted effort to improve literacy achievement.

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Input sought on early learning guidelines

A special state panel formed to review Maine’s Early Childhood Learning Guidelines is seeking input from kindergarten teachers. The input will inform the panel’s revisions to the 2005 document.

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Science conference focuses on standards blueprint

Maine science teachers devoted their annual conference on Oct. 7 to understanding the document that will serve as the backbone for the Next Generation Science Standards.

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High school math workshops focus on asking right questions

The Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM) is hosting eight sessions across the state this fall to allow high school math teachers to discuss “Reasoning and Sense-Making in the Classroom.”

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Webinar to address research behind Common Core math

The Regional Educational Laboratory – Northeast and Islands, to which Maine belongs, will host a webinar on Oct. 6 focused on the implementation of the Common Core state standards for math.

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Video: Sidney school opens a new year

The students at James H. Bean Elementary School in Sidney spent the first weeks of the 2011-12 school year setting their priorities and ground rules for learning — and for having fun as they do it.

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Maine selected to lead effort on new science standards

Students will benefit from the state’s leadership role in national effort on education standards

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Maine steps up Common Core standards work

The Maine Department of Education’s content specialists are making various resources available to teachers, curriculum directors and other educators to help them implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

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Maine DOE as a resource, not a regulator

Author icon: Head shot of Commissioner Stephen Bowen

This blog entry was published in the September edition of The Maine Apprise, the newsletter of the Maine Principals’ Association.

As I toured schools across the state this past spring, I heard a lot from principals and assistant principals whose jobs are becoming more demanding by the day. We’re expecting our schools to prepare all students for college and careers in a constantly changing world. The expectations haven’t dropped even as funding has become tighter.

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