The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) is pleased to announce its first annual Excellence in Action award, which will recognize and honor superior Career Technical Education (CTE) programs of study from around the nation. Continue reading “Nominations open for CTE Excellence in Action award”
Updates to special education web resources
The Maine DOE has added a new question-and-answer to the “Consent” entry of the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations (MUSER) frequently asked questions section of its website. The question-and-answer address whether a school administrative unit may ask that a parent sign an initial consent for placement before receiving the written notice for the meeting in which decisions about initial placement have been made. Continue reading “Updates to special education web resources”
Students sought for humanities ambassador program
Do you have students who might benefit from real-world learning experiences?
The Maine Humanities Council (MHC) wants creative and energetic rising 10th or 11th graders interested in community engagement through the humanities.
Through the Student Humanities Ambassador Program, they will work with MHC to identify a topic and, working with a budget of $1,000 given to them by MHC, create, plan, run and evaluate a humanities-based program or event within their community.
Visit http://humanitiesambassador.org for more information and to apply. The deadline is March 31.
Improving literacy skills with close reading
Whether we are writing full sentences or using text messaging shorthand including abbreviations and icons, our ability to make meaning of the language around us is a critical aspect of our society. Continue reading “Improving literacy skills with close reading”
Dyslexia for a Day workshop on Feb. 1
Project D.E.B.U.N.K., a resource for youth with dyslexia and their families and educators, is sponsoring a Dyslexia for a Day workshop in Brewer on Feb. 1. Continue reading “Dyslexia for a Day workshop on Feb. 1”
Guidance on special education students in crisis placements
School administrative units (SAUs) sometimes become aware that a special education student enrolled in one of their schools has been placed in a residential facility identified as a crisis stabilization unit. Continue reading “Guidance on special education students in crisis placements”
Opportunity to participate in accessible assessment project
The Maine DOE has served as a critical partner to the Maryland State Department of Education and Measured Progress Innovation lab for the Guidelines for Accessible Assessment Project (GAAP). This is a federally-funded project that involves developing research-based guidelines for representing assessment content in audio and sign forms. Continue reading “Opportunity to participate in accessible assessment project”
Two Maine schools nominated for National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction
The Maine DOE has nominated Turner Elementary School and Winthrop Grade School to be 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Continue reading “Two Maine schools nominated for National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction”
Acting Education Commissioner Rier to visit Lewiston schools Thursday
LEWISTON – Maine Department of Education Acting Commissioner Jim Rier will tour two Lewiston schools this Thursday that are undertaking significant initiatives to improve student outcomes.
Continue reading “Acting Education Commissioner Rier to visit Lewiston schools Thursday”
Commissioner’s Update – January 16, 2014
From the Maine DOE
Last week I had the honor to speak at the annual Adult Education State House Day on behalf of the Maine DOE and Governor Paul LePage.
I was fortunate to talk with several students who had powerful stories to share about how their commitment to bettering themselves through learning is not just improving their college and career prospects, but enriching their lives and that of their families.
Adult education offers something for everyone. From the opportunity to earn a high school credential to support preparing for college to offering low-cost courses on everything from cooking to computer programming, the people of Maine are fortunate to have such a robust adult education system.
Notices and Reporting
- MaineCare Seed Payment Adjustments (Reminder), due Jan. 17
- Annual Certification of Superintendent (Reminder), due Jan. 31
- Qualified Zone Academy Bond Applications (Reminder), due Feb. 14
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
News & Views
State Board supports Governor LePage’s candidate for Education Commissioner
AUGUSTA –The State Board of Education says they support Governor Paul R. LePage’s proposed Education Commissioner, following an interview with the candidate today. | More
IDEA’s excess costs and MOE requirements
All school administrative units (SAUs) that receive funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are reminded to review two important requirements governing those funds to ensure compliance with them. | More
Educator shares experience transitioning to standards-based system
As Maine schools move to graduating students with a proficiency-based diploma by 2018, the Maine DOE is offering extensive resources to support those locally-led transitions, including through its Center for Best Practice. New to the Center is an interview with Hall-Dale Middle School teacher-leader Dan Crocker. Entitled “Taking It Personally,” Crocker provides personal perspective on transitioning students, and himself, to a standards-based system, including takeaways for other teachers in transition. | More
New financial literacy resources available from Maine DOE, FAME
A list of suggested financial literacy resources that can help teachers integrate financial literacy instruction in the classroom is available on the Maine DOE’s Social Studies web page. Additionally, a searchable list of Maine Financial Education Services is now available on the Finance Authority of Maine website. | More
Youth health survey reveals gender differences
Last week the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released the results of the 2013 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS). While there are hundreds of pages of findings, the Department will use the weekly Commissioner’s Update to spotlight some areas of interest. This week, we focus on the responses of the high school students by gender. | More
Acting Commissioner Rier writes in support of uniformed access to Maine schools
The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held a public hearing today on legislation that would require the boards of Maine secondary schools to adopt and implement policies ensuring that members of the United States Armed Forces or the Maine National Guard and public safety personnel may wear their uniforms when visiting schools in their official capacities. | More
Maine History Teacher of the Year nominations due Feb. 1
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Preserve America and the History Channel annually recognize outstanding American history teachers at the state and national levels. | More
Update on student, school health surveys for principals, lead health teachers
Principals whose school participated in the 2013 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) should have already received login information including passwords to the MIYHS website. | More
Chinese guest teacher and trainee applications due
Since 2007, the Chinese Guest Teacher and Trainee program has placed more than 800 visiting teachers in hundreds of schools nationwide. Schools can apply now to host a Chinese guest teacher or teacher-in-training for the 2014-15 school year. | More
Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Assessment and Accountability Coordinator
- State Director – NCLB Title I
- Education Specialist III – Higher Education
