AUGUSTA – The four-year graduation rate for Maine high schools rose for a third year in a row, to 85.34 percent for 2012. It’s a rise of more than 1½ percentage points from the previous year and nearly 5 percentage points since 2009.
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The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on Family Cost Participation Fee Policy, procedure, determination form, and table, which are used in relation to services for young children birth through age two with disabilities.
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Preliminary subsidy amounts for FY 2013-14 are now available. These subsidy amounts do not represent final action of the 126th Legislature and therefore should only be used as “initial” guidance for your budget preparations. Some calculations included in these amounts are dependent on enactment of statutory changes.
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Questions continue to arise in the field about the proposed retirement initiative in the Governor’s proposed biennial budget. As you make preliminary plans for your 2013-14 school budgets, it will be helpful to understand what is and is not included in this proposal. Of course, you must keep in mind, as always, that nothing is final until the Legislature takes a final vote on the budget – much could happen between now and then.
A little over a year ago, I outlined a vision for education in Maine, our strategic plan, Education Evolving, at Capital Area Technical Center. A few weeks later, Governor LePage and I laid out the education agenda at the Somerset Career and Technical Education Center in Skowhegan. We at Maine DOE, in collaboration with schools and school districts, have made great progress in changing policies and focus toward a system that supports students in achieving proficiency in rigorous standards that will prepare them to be ready for college and careers.
As I’ve often said, some of the best thinking and models for the work we want to do comes from the schools themselves. I’m itching to get out to the schools again to see first-hand the kinds of innovative practices that you are implementing that are showing promise and that are helping to forward the priorities in our strategic plan. The first stop on my tour of schools will be at Deer Isle-Stonington High School next Monday, the 25th. Graduation rates there have increased – significantly – for three years in a row through a combination of culture change, professional learning communities, and Student Assistance Teams.
Continue reading “Commissioner’s Update – February 21, 2013”
A little over a year ago, I outlined a vision for education in Maine, our strategic plan, Education Evolving, at Capital Area Technical Center. A few weeks later, Governor LePage and I laid out the education agenda at the Somerset Career and Technical Education Center in Skowhegan. We at Maine DOE, in collaboration with schools and school districts, have made great progress in changing policies and focus toward a system that supports students in achieving proficiency in rigorous standards that will prepare them to be ready for college and careers.
The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which covers services for young children birth through age two with disabilities.
Continue reading “Comments sought on Maine’s annual IDEA Part C application”
College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor is offering K-12 teachers one- and two-week field-based courses in multiple disciplines for graduate and continuing education credit. Attendees will learn on the shores and trails of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Partial scholarships are available, and applications should be received by March 17, 2013.
Continue reading “College of the Atlantic announces summer courses for K-12 teachers”
Managing pests, including insects, animals, weeds, and plant diseases, is an essential part of operating a healthy and safe learning environment for Maine’s students and staff. Integrated Pest Management is a proven approach that can reduce leading causes of childhood asthma and asthma triggers and reduce overall pest complaints with no long-term increase in costs. All K-12 schools in Maine are required by law to adopt and implement an IPM policy, notify parents, guardians and staff about pesticide use, and appoint an IPM coordinator.
Continue reading “Results of 2012 Maine School IPM Survey released”
The Maine Department of Education is seeking comments from the public on its annual application for federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which covers services for preschool- and school-age children with disabilities.
Continue reading “Submit comments on Maine’s annual IDEA Part B application”
Maine DOE Newsroom 