From a new seal of biliteracy to attendance information, MEA has what you need to know.
PROPOSED CHANGES
The Maine Department of Education is proposing changes to Chapters 101 (Maine Unified Special Education Regulations), 122 (Grant Application and Award Procedure), and 132 (Social Studies and Science and Technology Standards). Hearings are scheduled for this month.
MEA is reviewing these and will provide testimony as needed. We encourage you to weigh in with your thoughts as well! For summaries of and further details on each of the proposed changes, as well as the dates and times of hearings and deadlines for public comment, go to the following links:
SEAL OF BILITERACY
It’s official! Graduating students in Maine can now earn the Seal of Biliteracy!
At a ceremony in the Hall of Flags at the State House on October 29th, the Department of Education announced that beginning with this year’s seniors, Maine students can receive the Seal of Biliteracy if they are proficient in English and at least one other language. Maine joins 32 other states and D.C. in awarding the Seal. This step helps both to recognize the valuable skill that our English language learners have when they maintain their first language as they become proficient in English and it also promotes the study of other languages to higher levels for all of Maine’s students. This action by the DOE fosters a greater appreciation for learning world languages and understanding other cultures. For more information about the Seal, go to: https://sealofbiliteracy.org/
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Have you learned about the Department of Education’s Model of Accountability and Support? Attendance is one of the indicators that will be reported and there is an important push to reduce absenteeism.
Sessions were offered around the state to share information about absenteeism and some ways to address various issues, such as how to help students who deal with anxiety. If interested, e-mail me for more information from one of the sessions. And for information on the DOE’s new model, go to: https://www.maine.gov/doe/Testing_Accountability/model
