The Maine DOE has created a new online application form that will make it easier for districts to apply for State approval of new or expanding public preschool programs.
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Maine DOE seeks surrogate parents to support students with disabilities
The Maine DOE is seeking volunteers to serve as surrogate parents for children with disabilities in educational matters.
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Maine DOE helps expand internet access in rural Washington County
Maine DOE’s Learning Through Technology Team was in Washington County last week to lend its support for the “Check-out the Internet” event at Cherryfield Free Public Library.
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Department offers webinars in advance of ELL assessment
The Maine DOE is providing two webinars this spring to assist schools as they prepare for the 2015-16 administration of the computer-based English language proficiency assessment, ACCESS for ELLs 2.0.
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Maine team drives away champions of national bus roadeo
Lisa Gadway and Gregg McGoff from the Fairfield-based MSAD 49 recently earned first place for their performance in the 18th Annual National Special Needs Team Safety Roadeo, held at the Frisco Independent School District just outside of Dallas, TX. Eighteen teams consisting of a driver and monitor from 11 states competed in the 2015 roadeo, which is co-sponsored by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) and STN Media, publishers of School Transportation News magazine.
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Migrant Education Program’s Blueberry Harvest School wins state environmental award
The Blueberry Harvest School has been named the winner of the Maine Environmental Education Association Excellence in Environmental Education Program Award.
April 13 webinar overviews federal student privacy laws
The Maine DOE is encouraging district staff to join Shane Morrisey from the U.S. Department of Education and Baron Rodriguez from the Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) as they cover PTAC’s latest guidance document: Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services: Model Terms of Service during a webinar at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13.
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Maine DOE provides nutrition equipment assistance
The Department is encouraging schools to apply for their share of the $75,542 that Maine has been awarded in food service equipment assistance.
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Maine high school graduation rate up, achievement gaps down
Newly released state and federal data shows Maine is closing achievement gaps as graduation rates among economically disadvantaged students, those with disabilities and some minorities are on the rise and above national averages
AUGUSTA – Maine’s high school graduation rate has hit an all-time high, as has the percentage of students who are either economically disadvantaged or have a disability and are earning their diploma in four years.
According to newly released data from the Maine Department of Education, 86.48 percent of the students who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2010 graduated on time in 2014. That’s up just slightly from 86.36 percent in 2013 and well above the 80.3 percent graduation rate reached in 2009-2010 when the current calculation method was introduced.
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Commissioner’s Update – April 2, 2015
From the Maine Department of Education
Governor Paul R. LePage and Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy President and CEO Liza McFadden honored 14 teen mentors with Excellence Awards in leadership and service during a recognition ceremony at the Blaine House this week. Students mentoring in the Foundation’s Teen Trendsetters™ program assist first through third graders with reading during weekly tutoring sessions.
“I am proud of these students who serve as positive role models and leaders for their mentees,” said Governor LePage. “Mentoring at any age during a student’s career can lead to a lifelong commitment to helping others and their community.”
The Teen Trendsetters Excellence Award is given to mentors who provide outstanding leadership and service, particularly with helping their mentees read on grade level. After successfully piloting Teen Trendsetters in Windham, Maine, during 2012 and 2013, the Barbara Bush Foundation this past year expanded the program to 20 schools throughout Maine.
Notices and Reporting
- Regional School Calendar, due April 14 (Reminder)
- Private School EPS April 1 Enrollment Reporting (EF-M-14), due April 15 (Reminder)
- EPS April 1 Enrollment Reporting, due April 15 (Reminder)
- EPS High Cost Out-of-District Placement Cost Adjustment Report (EF-S 214), due April 15 (Reminder)
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
New early childhood learning and development standards released by Maine DOE, DHHS
The Maine Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have released Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS), which outline what children should know and be able to do by the end of preschool. | More
Maine DOE opens registration for 30th annual school wellness conference
Maine schools are invited to attend the 30th Annual Maine DOE Schoolsite Health Promotion & Wellness Conference from Wednesday, June 24 through Friday, June 26 at Sugarloaf. | More
Suicide prevention conference scheduled for May 7
The Maine DOE is encouraging those working to prevent suicide in the state’s schools to consider attending the one-day Maine Suicide Prevention Program’s Annual Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention conference on May 7 in Portland. | More
MPA names top assistant principals
The Maine Principals’ Association has announced its 2015 Maine Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year at both the elementary and secondary school levels. | More
Maine DOE regional workshops support math educators
The Maine DOE recently concluded a series of eight regional, full-day workshop sessions across the state intended to support instruction in mathematics and make connections to the State assessment. | More
Students prepare for business careers at state DECA conference
More than 100 students gathered last month for the Maine DECA 47th State Career Development Conference. | More
More Dispatches | Press Releases | From the Commissioner
LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities
- Education Specialist II – Office of Special Services
- Public Service Coordinator I – Coordinator of Finance and Data – Special Education
- Request for Proposal: Maine College Transition Services
- Request for Proposal: 21st Century Community Learning Center Program
- View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here
Maine DOE Newsroom 