Governor, Education Commissioner release report cards for Maine schools

On an A-F grade scale, 81 percent of elementary schools and 69 percent of high schools earned an A, B or C. The Department of Education has pledged increased support for those that didn’t make the grade.

AUGUSTA – With the release today of report cards for each of the state’s schools, the Department of Education has provided Mainers with a better understanding of where their schools stand, and how they can improve.

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Governor’s STEM academy meets for second time

This week the Maine DOE, in collaboration with the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, convened the second meeting of the Maine Governor’s Academy for STEM Education Leadership.

The Governor’s Academy has been supported by state leadership at the Governor’s Office since 1999 and is supported by federal Title II funds and participating districts. Twenty-five teacher leaders from across the state are participating in the academy. Continue reading “Governor’s STEM academy meets for second time” →

Clarification on triennial evaluations of students with disabilities

The federal IDEA and Maine’s special education regulations require a reevaluation of a child with a disability if the school administrative unit (SAU) determines that the educational or related service needs of the child, including those related to improved academic achievement and functional performance, warrant a reevaluation or if the child’s parent or teacher requests one. Continue reading “Clarification on triennial evaluations of students with disabilities” →

World languages initiative hosts institute, seeks teacher leaders

Once again this June, the Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with the Foreign Language Association of Maine (FLAME) and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), will hold a summer institute for Maine world language teachers (as both regular participants and teacher leaders) from June 25-28 at the University of Maine Farmington. Continue reading “World languages initiative hosts institute, seeks teacher leaders” →

State of Maine grants schools more flexibility in choosing technology

UPDATE: The Hewlett-Packard ProBook 4440 will now include Windows 7 software in the package.

The following is a news release from the Governor’s Office.

Governor LePage emphasizes importance of using technology that enables students to easily transition to the workforce

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Commissioner’s Update – April 25, 2013

From the Commissioner

Schools are back in session after a week-long spring vacation, and I’m ready to get back into the field to finish up my Promising Practices Tour. The schools I’ve seen so far have made significant progress in moving toward a system that supports students in achieving proficiency and prepares them for college and careers.

Next Thursday I’ll be traveling to Dixfield and Oxford Hills to see student-centered and experiential learning in action. I will also meet with members of the Western Maine Education Collaborative, which was recently featured in the Maine DOE Center for Best Practices.

Superintendents, stay tuned for more information about A-F school report cards next week.

Notices and Reporting

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