Maine Gov. Paul LePage participated in a panel focused on education policy on May 6 during a Republican Governors’ Association conference in Nashville, Tenn.
Continue reading “LePage talks education at governors’ confab”
Recognizing school nurses
School nursing has become a specialized practice focused on supporting students’ well-being and academic success.
Commissioner’s Update – May 5, 2011
There’s never a dull moment here at the Department of Education.
This week, bills seeking to expand school choice and overhaul the state school funding formula came up before the Legislature’s Education Committee. In this update, we begin to keep you apprised of the Department’s positions on such high-profile issues.
On top of that, it’s Teacher Appreciation week, so we’re busy recognizing the good work of our teachers.
We’ve heard positive comments from you on our efforts to communicate less often, but more effectively. Continue to let us know how we can do it better. And shoot us an email if you have an idea for a story you’d like to see featured in this publication.
— Stephen Bowen
Encouraging effective teaching
It’s fitting that during Teacher Appreciation Week we acknowledge an undeniable truth in education: When it comes to advancing student learning, the most important thing a school system can do is put an effective teacher in the classroom.
Maine grad rate improves
Still, too many students do not graduate in four years
AUGUSTA – The statewide average graduation rate for publicly funded high schools rose by more than two percentage points from 2009 to 2010. The percentage of students graduating in four years for the 2009-2010 school year was 82.82 percent. Continue reading “Maine grad rate improves”
DOE supports funding formula changes
The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held public hearings May 4 on 10 bills seeking to make changes to the formula that determines how state funds for education are distributed among local school districts.
Jim Rier, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, offered testimony supporting L.D. 1274, An Act to Restore Equity in Education Funding.
140 compete in state science fair
Nearly 140 students from across Maine participated in the Maine State Science Fair on April 30. It was The Jackson Laboratory’s first year hosting and coordinating the competition, which took place at the company’s Bar Harbor offices.
Maine teacher honored in nation’s capital
Shelly Moody, Maine’s 2011 Teacher of the Year, is in Washington, D.C., this week with her counterparts from across the United States. Continue reading “Maine teacher honored in nation’s capital”
Honoring our effective teachers
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and two Maine teachers are receiving prestigious honors this season for the important and noble work they do each day for our children.
DOE testifies on school choice bills
The Maine Legislature’s Education Committee held public hearings May 2 on five bills designed to allow students and parents greater school choice.
Maine Department of Education policy and programs director Deborah Friedman offered the following testimony on the legislation.
Maine DOE Newsroom 