The Maine DOE is reminding districts that the heavy snowfall this winter may be straining school roofs.
Continue reading “Maine DOE reminds schools of roof snow load hazard”
Maine DOE shares guidance related to NCAA student eligibility
The Maine DOE is offering guidance to Maine schools related to the expectations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for courses.
Continue reading “Maine DOE shares guidance related to NCAA student eligibility”
Maine DOE Monthly – February 24, 2015
Welcome to the February issue of the Maine DOE Monthly, which provides a recap of some of the month’s most important updates from the Department.
This may be the shortest month but the Maine DOE got a lot done to better support Maine schools as they work to ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Just yesterday, we sent out a detailed letter to inform educators about our Department’s renewed efforts to support the continued quality implementation of key initiatives that will improve teaching and learning in Maine. Our daily work throughout February reinforced that commitment. We began technical assistance visits to more than 50 schools to help their transition to proficiency; released preliminary ED 279s for FY16 that reflect increased funding for education; and provided new resources to help schools prepare for the spring statewide assessment administration including training videos, a secure mobile browser and keyboard flexibility.
Read on for a roundup of other recent updates from the Department and as always, stay tuned to our Newsroom and weekly Commissioner’s Updates for the latest news you can use from the Maine DOE.
Dispatches & Press Releases
Maine DOE renews efforts to support local change
The Department is sensitive to the amount of work at the local level required to effectively implement initiatives that will better prepare students for success in college, career and civic life and outlines its commitments to make that implementation both high quality and manageable. | More
Commissioner visits Auburn schools
Maine’s Acting Education Commissioner returned earlier this month to the Auburn schools he once attended to learn about their efforts to improve outcomes and to inspire students with his own story. | More
Maine DOE recommends, rather than requires, assessment keyboards
The Maine DOE is pleased to announce that mechanical keyboards will no longer be required for the online administration of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy. | More
Maine DOE begins visits to schools to support proficiency-based diploma efforts
The Maine DOE will visit more than 50 districts to provide targeted technical assistance to schools preparing to award proficiency-based diplomas. | More
Preliminary FY2016 State subsidy printouts available
The Maine DOE has released preliminary FY 2016 (2015-16 school year) State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, on its website at www.maine.gov/doe/eps/. These preliminary amounts are based on Governor LePage’s proposed two-year budget that increases funding for Maine schools and students and assumes State payment directly to public charter schools as proposed in LD 235. | More
Department seeks feedback on ESEA waiver in advance of renewal
In preparation for Maine’s application for a renewal of its existing ESEA waiver, the Department is seeking feedback on how the State’s current accountability and improvement system is serving Maine’s students and schools. | More
Maine DOE posts video of assessment administration training
Maine educators who will be helping to administer the upcoming online State assessment but couldn’t attend one of the Department’s recent regional workshops can now see the entire training online. The Maine DOE has posted a four-hour video on its YouTube channel filmed at the southern Maine workshop session on Friday, Jan. 16. | More
iOS 8 compatible secure browser available for assessment administration
An iOS 8 compatible secure browser application that will be used for the upcoming administration of the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy is now available. | More
Governor LePage proclaims February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Governor Paul R. LePage is requesting Mainers observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month this February. | More
Maine recognizes Career and Technical Education Month
Students and educators across Maine are joining those across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. | More
Outstanding educators sought for Maine talent pool
The Maine DOE is seeking recommendations through May 1 for the 2015 Maine Educator Talent Pool. | More
More
Maine DOE renews efforts to support local change
The following Priority Notice was sent on Monday, Feb. 23 to inform Maine educators about the efforts of the Maine DOE to support the continued quality implementation of key initiatives that will improve teaching and learning in Maine, including the administration of new assessments, educator evaluation and the awarding of proficiency-based diplomas.
Dear Educators,
Welcome back from a well-deserved February break. As you know, in recent years the Department has successfully advocated for reforms that strengthen accountability, best practices and choice. The result is that our increasingly learner-centered schools will better prepare students for success in college, career and civic life.
Never before has more been expected of Maine students. The same could be said for our schools. Continue reading “Maine DOE renews efforts to support local change”
Maine Teacher of the Year nominations due today
Nominations are due by 5 p.m. today for the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Mainers who have been positively impacted by one of the state’s many outstanding public school educators are encouraged to extend their thanks by taking a few minutes today to submit their nomination. All nominees will be notified, so even those who do not advance further will receive recognition.
Nominate a great Maine teacher now. Continue reading “Maine Teacher of the Year nominations due today”
Commissioner’s Update – February 19, 2015
From the Maine Department of Education
The Maine DOE has released preliminary FY 2016 (2015-16 school year) State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, on its website at www.maine.gov/doe/eps/.
These preliminary amounts are based on Governor LePage’s proposed two-year budget that increases funding for Maine schools and students and assumes State payment directly to public charter schools as proposed in LD 235. Specifically, the Governor’s FY16 budget proposal includes $964.1 million for general purpose aid for Maine schools – an increase of $20.3 million over the $943.8 appropriated by the Legislature for FY 15 – and $966.3 million for FY17 – an increase of $22.5 million over appropriated FY15 funding.
The proposed budget would bring the subsidy provided by the State per pupil to $5,334 in FY16 and $5,389 in FY17, an increase of nearly 17 percent since the Governor took office in 2011 and per pupil State funding was $4,619.
The subsidy amounts for FY 2016 contained in the preliminary ED 279s do not represent final action of the 127th Maine Legislature and should therefore only be used as initial guidance in informing local budget preparations.
Notices and Reporting
- Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB), due April 17
More Notices | Administrative Letters | Reporting Calendar
News & Views
Maine recognizes Career and Technical Education Month
Students and educators across Maine are joining those across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. | More
MaineCare Seed payment adjustments made, report review by April 1
The remaining 2014-15 subsidy checks for General Purpose Aid for local schools will reflect adjustments for MaineCare Seed payments paid by the Maine DOE on behalf of school administrative units (SAUs). | More
Maine DOE shares assessment EL support information
The Maine DOE has released new resources relating to supports available for English learners taking the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced. | More
School enrollment contacts posted to support assessment administration
Contact information has been posted to the Maine DOE website to assist School Test Coordinators (SCs) in resolving any discrepancies in the student lists available in the Test Information Distribution Engine during the upcoming administration of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced. | More
RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
The Maine DOE has issued a request for proposals seeking bids to establish or extend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) in 2015-2016. | More
QZAB Tax Credit Bond applications due April 17
The Maine DOE will accept applications for the Federal Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Program through April 17. The Department currently has $1,435,000 of QZAB issuing authority to distribute to qualifying schools units. | More
Maine seeks feedback on IDEA Part C application
Maine is seeking input on its application for the Part C (birth through two) program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA. The Part C budget is for State Fiscal Year 2016. | More
Maine State Archives commemorates 150th anniversary of 13th Amendment
The Maine State Archives is celebrating Black History Month by commemorating the State’s 150th anniversary of ratifying the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. | More
More Dispatches | Press Releases | From the Commissioner
LATEST DOE Career/Project Opportunities
Preliminary FY 2016 State subsidy printouts available
The Maine DOE has released preliminary FY 2016 (2015-16 school year) State subsidy printouts, known as ED 279s, on its website at www.maine.gov/doe/eps/.
Continue reading “Preliminary FY 2016 State subsidy printouts available”
Maine commemorates Career and Technical Education Month
Students and educators across Maine are joining those across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
Continue reading “Maine commemorates Career and Technical Education Month”
Maine DOE shares assessment EL support information
The Maine DOE has released new resources relating to supports available for English learners taking the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced.
Continue reading “Maine DOE shares assessment EL support information”
School enrollment contacts posted to support assessment administration
Contact information has been posted to the Maine DOE website to assist School Test Coordinators (SCs) in resolving any discrepancies in the student lists available in the Test Information Distribution Engine (TIDE) during the upcoming administration of the new Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy developed by Smarter Balanced.
Continue reading “School enrollment contacts posted to support assessment administration”
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