U.S. Education Department announces new guidance to help students with disabilities as part of 40th anniversary of IDEA law

The following press release from United States Department of Education reflects Maine policy and continued mission in many aspects as the Department continues to review policy and guides school districts on the IDEA Law.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the U.S. Education Department is releasing guidance aimed at ensuring that America’s 6 million children and youth with disabilities have the same opportunity for a quality education as their nondisabled peers.

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Maine joins national initiative to broaden access to postsecondary learning

AUGUSTA – Maine is now the 36th state to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), an initiative that will make distance-education courses more accessible to students across state lines and make it easier for institutions to participate in interstate distance education. Continue reading “Maine joins national initiative to broaden access to postsecondary learning” →

Commissioner’s Update – November 12, 2015

From the Maine Department of Education

The Maine DOE released the 2015-16 transition funds to Maine school administrative units. The proficiency-based education transition grants, awarded annually to school administrative units since Oct. 2013, are intended to be used to support schools’ transition to proficiency-based learning and the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas.

Proficiency-based learning refers to a variety of diverse instructional practices and school structures focused on improving student learning. State law requires that beginning in 2018 (or beginning in subsequent years up to 2021 for SAUs that have been granted an extension) high schools must award diplomas based on students’ demonstrations of proficiency in eight content areas and the Guiding Principles. The intent of the law is to ensure Maine students graduate college and career ready, confident their diploma signifies they have the knowledge and skills needed for success in their next steps.

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Administrative Letters and Reporting

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News & Views

PK-12 and higher education summit

Maine DOE staff joined approximately 100 faculty, admissions staff and leadership from the University of Maine System and the Community College System for a summit on Nov. 6. | More

Maine DOE offers technology support for ACCESS 2.0

To support districts with technology downloads and installing the Test Management System for the computer-based ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment, a training webinar will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19. | More

Notice of proposed rule changes: Chapter 101

The Maine DOE is proposing a refinement to two sections of Rule Chapter 101. | More

Maine recognized for rules regarding student restraints

“Maine ranked one of the best in nation for rules limiting student restraints.” That is the headline from a news article this month referencing an online publication, ProPublica.| More

Health, physical education, recreation and dance annual conference a success

Over 500 physical education and health education teachers, as well as dance educators and recreation personnel participated in over 80 conference sessions and workshops earlier this month. | More

Kennebec Valley Showcase

Twelve school systems of the 15 from Kennebec Valley were involved in an interactive showcase event sharing a number of innovative and supportive learning opportunities available in their schools at the University of Maine at Augusta. | More

Assistant Superintendent of the Year named

Assistant Superintendent Emil Genest of Regional School Unit 22 has been named Assistant Superintendent of the Year by the Maine School Superintendents Association. | More

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LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Health, physical education, recreation and dance annual conference a success

Over 500 physical education and health education teachers, as well as dance educators and recreation personnel participated in over 80 conference sessions and workshops earlier this month at the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) Seventieth Annual Conference in Rockport. Sessions focused on best practices and innovative ideas, proficiency-based education, assessment and more. Click here to access session materials available on the Maine AHPERD website.

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PK-12 and higher education summit

Maine DOE staff joined approximately 100 faculty, admissions staff and leadership from the University of Maine System and the Community College System for the Summit on Informing and Aligning ME Public Higher Institutions with ME Public K-12: Proficiency & Assessment Activities on Nov. 6. 

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Proficiency-based education transition grants allocated

The Maine DOE released the 2015-16 transition funds to Maine school administrative units. The proficiency-based education transition grants, awarded annually to school administrative units since Oct. 2013, are intended to be used to support schools’ transition to proficiency-based learning and the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas.

Continue reading “Proficiency-based education transition grants allocated” →

Maine DOE offers technology support for ACCESS 2.0

To support districts with technology downloads and installing the Test Management System for the computer-based ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment, the Maine DOE is offering Preparing Technology for WIDA ACCESS for ELL 2.0 Assessment Webinar Thursday, Nov. 19 at noon.

Continue reading “Maine DOE offers technology support for ACCESS 2.0” →