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. Continue reading “IDEA’s excess cost and MOE requirements”
Collaborative conversations vehicle for building knowledge
Imagine yourself observing a rich dialogue between students about an article they have been reading. The students, seated in small groupings, are actively asking questions, expressing opinions, posing hypotheses and returning to the text for evidence to support their ideas. These types of conversations exemplify productive talk that supports deeper learning. Continue reading “Collaborative conversations vehicle for building knowledge”
Responsibilities for special education students placed in out-of-state residential programs
School administrative units (SAUs) sometimes become aware that a student in their district identified as needing special education services is being considered, with involvement by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, for residential placement out of Maine as a result of problems being experienced in the student’s home (i.e., for non-educational reasons). Continue reading “Responsibilities for special education students placed in out-of-state residential programs”
Dine & Discuss workshops to focus on fractions
The Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM) is offering Dine & Discuss: Fractions Edition sessions focused on building developmental understanding of fractions from kindergarten through high school. Sessions, which run from 4 to 6:30 p.m., are planned for Portland (Jan. 16), Waterville (Jan. 16), Pittsfield (Jan. 22), Kennebunk (Jan. 23), Limestone (Jan. 24) and Rockland (Feb. 11). Continue reading “Dine & Discuss workshops to focus on fractions”
Literacy for ME releases community literacy resources
The Maine DOE has developed new informational brochures and videos designed to help community literacy teams across the state educate parents and the public about literacy development and empower them with simple ways in which they can support literacy education. Continue reading “Literacy for ME releases community literacy resources”
Maine Youth Health Survey data now available
The results of the 2013 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) are now available.
State, public health district and county level data on public school students in grades 5 through 12 are now online on the survey website at https://data.mainepublichealth.gov/miyhs/. Data for kindergarten through grade 3 survey data are not available because of a low response rate. Continue reading “Maine Youth Health Survey data now available”
Commissioner’s Update – December 12, 2013
From the Maine DOE
Earlier this week, I was proud to join Governor Paul R. LePage in honoring the important role computer science has in our state’s classrooms and growing economy by recognizing Computer Science Education Week (CSEDdWeek).
This national awareness week (Dec. 9-15), founded by our Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) partner Microsoft and also sponsored by Apple, our longest-running MLTI partner, seeks to engage more students in computer science.
Notices and Reporting
- Qualified Zone Academy Bond Applications, due Feb. 14
- Superintendent Feedback Needed On School Security (Reminder), due Dec. 13
- Input on Teacher Shortage Areas (Reminder), due Dec. 15
- MaineCare Seed Payment Adjustments (Reminder), due Jan. 17
More Notices
Administrative Letters
Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Governor LePage, Acting Education Commissioner Rier recognize Computer Science Education Week
AUGUSTA – Maine Governor Paul R. LePage and Acting Education Commissioner Jim Rier are recognizing the important role computer science has in the state’s classrooms and growing economy. | More
Downeast students partner to engineer new fishery
Students from seven coastal Maine high schools began designing an alternative fishery for Downeast Maine this week as part of the Eastern Maine Skippers Program. The 45 students will work with researchers from Penobscot East Resource Center and the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to begin engineering a trap-based winter flounder fishery. | More
Fairview Elementary wins $25,000 in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities contest
AUBURN – Students, teachers and administrators at Fairview Elementary School are $25,000 richer after being named this week as a 2013 Champion in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign. The Auburn school was one of 20 nationwide that garnered the most community votes and the money to use as they wish to enhance their educational experience. | More
Maine CDC offers teachers youth tobacco training
Teachers who want to learn how to better talk to youth tobacco users may benefit from free trainings offered throughout the state in December and January by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. | More
QZAB Tax Credit Bond applications due Feb. 14
The Department will accept applications for the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Program through Feb. 14. Maine DOE currently has $2,924,000 of QZAB issuing authority to distribute to qualifying schools units. | More
Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Early Childhood Intervention Management System
- Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey Services
- Assessment and Accountability Coordinator
- State Director – NCLB Title I
- Education Specialist III – Higher Education
More
STEM awareness week, but action year-round
Earlier this week, I was proud to join Governor Paul R. LePage in honoring the important role computer science has in our state’s classrooms and growing economy by recognizing Computer Science Education Week (CSEDdWeek).
This national awareness week (Dec. 9-15), founded by our Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) partner Microsoft and also sponsored by Apple, our longest-running MLTI partner, seeks to engage more students in computer science. Continue reading “STEM awareness week, but action year-round”
Fairview Elementary wins $25,000 in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign
AUBURN – Students, teachers and administrators at Fairview Elementary School are $25,000 richer after being named this week as a 2013 Champion in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign. The Auburn school was one of 20 nationwide that garnered the most community votes and the money to use as they wish to enhance their educational experience. Continue reading “Fairview Elementary wins $25,000 in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign”
Coastal students partner to engineer fishery
Students from seven coastal Maine high schools began designing an alternative fishery for Downeast Maine this week as part of the Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP).
The 45 students, who first met Monday at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, will work with researchers from Penobscot East Resource Center and the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to begin engineering a trap-based winter flounder fishery. Continue reading “Coastal students partner to engineer fishery”
