The Maine DOE is accepting recommendations for the 2014 Maine Educator Talent Pool through May 2.
The Talent Pool is made up of teachers and principals who may be considered for membership on local and state advisory boards and task forces, along with special recognition opportunities through the Maine DOE.
Continue reading “2014 Educator Talent Pool recommendations deadline coming up”
The 6th Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held April 22-23 at the Augusta Civic Center, and include a strong focus on school security. More than 40 workshops and demonstrations are scheduled during the free two-day event with statewide, national and international preparedness partners.
Continue reading “Educators invited to emergency preparedness conference”
The State Department of Education is encouraged by the increase, but says a wide graduation-proficiency gap and high college remediation rates show Maine schools must prioritize proficiency
AUGUSTA – Maine’s high school graduation rate continues to climb with 86.36 percent of all students who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2009 earning their diplomas on time in 2013, but State education officials stress that proficiency must be the top priority.
Continue reading “Maine high school graduation rates continue to climb”
In last week’s Commissioner’s Update, I shared with you an analysis of the statewide math and reading results for the 2013-14 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), administered this past October.
With the exception of Grade 5 math and writing, we saw flat or declining scores in all other grades and content areas. Digging into the data shows us where strengths and struggles are, and focuses improvement initiatives.
One area of continued concern is the huge gaps in proficiency when comparing males and females, and economically disadvantaged students with their peers who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch.
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AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education has begun creating the 2014 school report cards that will be published in May. In an effort to expand the snapshot of a school the report card provides, the Department will add information about student poverty, teacher tenure and education levels, and funding. | More
Department Commissioner Jim Rier has asked superintendents to save the date for the 103rd Annual Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents, scheduled to run from noon on Monday, June 23 through noon on Wednesday, June 25 at Point Lookout in Northport. | More
Schools across Maine voluntarily began participating in the field test of the Smarter Balanced assessments in grades 3-8 and 11 this week. Smarter Balanced assessments are a key part of implementing Maine’s college and career readiness standards and preparing all students for success beyond high school. | More
The 6th Annual Maine Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference will be held April 22-23 at the Augusta Civic Center, and include a strong focus on school security. More than 40 workshops and demonstrations are scheduled during the free two-day event with statewide, national and international preparedness partners. | More
Under Maine’s system of learning results, each student is required to study and achieve proficiency in the eight content areas, including health, physical education and wellness. In addition to State requirements, federal regulation implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that states follow 34 CFR 300.108 Physical Education. | More
The Maine DOE has received informal guidance from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) regarding whether a school administrative unit (SAU) may use electronic mail to provide parents with their child’s individualized education programs (IEPs) and related documentation, such as progress reports. | More
AUGUSTA – Arts educators were recognized at the Maine State House Wednesday as part of Maine’s annual celebration of Arts Education Day. | More
The Maine DOE has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking bids to establish or extend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) in 2014-15. | More
A sample of Maine schools with eighth-grade students recently participated in the Technology and Engineering Literacy Assessment (TEL), as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). | More
March 19 marked the 19th annual Kick Butts Day, a nation-wide celebration of youth leadership and activism combating tobacco use. | More
In last week’s Commissioner’s Update, I shared with you an analysis of the statewide math and reading results for the 2013-14 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), administered this past October.
With the exception of Grade 5 math and writing, we saw flat or declining scores in all other grades and content areas. Digging into the data shows us where strengths and struggles are, and focuses improvement initiatives.
Continue reading “Learning from the latest NECAP results: Part II”
Schools across Maine voluntarily began participating in the field test of the Smarter Balanced assessments in grades 3-8 and 11 this week. Smarter Balanced assessments are a key part of implementing Maine’s college and career readiness standards and preparing all students for success beyond high school.
Continue reading “Maine schools participating in field test for next generation of assessments”
March 19 marked the 19th annual Kick Butts Day, a nationwide celebration of youth leadership and activism combating tobacco use.
Over 1,400 events took place across the country in cooperation with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, including in Maine where 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool programs stepped-up to help youth educate their peers and communities about the harmfulness of tobacco and the industry’s marketing practices.
The Maine DOE has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids to establish or extend 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) in 2014-15.
Continue reading “RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers”
Under Maine’s system of learning results, each student is required to study and achieve proficiency in the eight content areas, including health, physical education and wellness. In addition to State requirements, federal regulation implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) requires that states follow 34 CFR 300.108 Physical Education.
Continue reading “Providing physical education for children with disabilities”
AUGUSTA – Arts educators were recognized at the Maine State House Wednesday as part of Maine’s annual celebration of Arts Education Day.
Each year the Maine Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE), an affiliate of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recognizes educational leaders who have made a significant difference in the lives of young people through arts education.
Continue reading “Arts educators recognized at State House celebration”
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