Edward Little High School teacher Evan Cyr has two daughters in Auburn schools, one in pre-kindergarten and one in first grade. As a teacher, Cyr likes the premise behind proficiency-based education.
education
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bill Gates, Paul LePage among those supporting elements of proficiency-based education
Who supports proficiency-based learning? The list includes Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates, Maine Gov. Paul LePage and at least 16 states, four in New England. MAINE’S PUSH FROM THE TOP LePage has long been a supporter, and that has continued as the Legislature currently deals with proposals to change the state’s existing PBL law. […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Proficiency-based learning: State mandate stirs up parents, teachers, students
AUBURN — A state law now under scrutiny in the Legislature that requires a new way of granting high school diplomas worries Auburn mother Barbara Howaniec, who has seen her two high-achieving children struggle under the new system. “I have two very bright kids who are very unmotivated right now,” said Howaniec, who has children […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Feds investigate Bates, Bowdoin and Colby in possible antitrust probe
LEWISTON — Bates College is one of at least 10 prestigious liberal arts colleges under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for possible violations of antitrust laws that govern how colleges may swap information on students who have received early-decision offers for admission. A letter from the DOJ’s antitrust division sent to the colleges, […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Sanford schools report outbreak of whooping cough
Sanford schools are reporting a pertussis outbreak, with four confirmed cases at Margaret Chase Smith primary school and two cases at Sanford Junior High School. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, remains a significant and persistent public health threat in Maine, especially for infants too young to be immunized or for children who can’t get […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine test scores hold steady in latest ‘Nation’s Report Card’
Maine students continued to score at or above the national average in math and reading on the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress test, with relatively stable state results since 2015, according to data released Tuesday. Maine results on this year’s test, referred to as “The Nation’s Report Card,” reflect national trends, which also had […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers hear hours of testimony on proficiency-based learning
AUGUSTA — For close to six hours Monday afternoon, the Joint Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs at the State House heard arguments from an overflow crowd of concerned teachers, parents and students on the pros and cons of proficiency-based learning. In 2012, state legislators passed a law that requires high school students to show […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Lawmakers pass measure to try to prevent youth suicides
AUGUSTA — A measure to help prevent youth suicide secured unanimous backing in the Legislature this week with the goal of preventing other families from going through the heartache that Matt and Rosie Graham of Lewiston felt last year when their depressed 13-year-old daughter Anie killed herself. The bill requires the Maine Department of Education […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Windham schools are closed today following bomb threat
Windham schools are closed Friday after a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Windham High School Thursday afternoon. The bomb threat was found written on a bathroom wall after students were dismissed for the day on Thursday, according to Windham police. Superintendent Sanford Prince wrote on Twitter that Windham High School was evacuated following a […]
Posted inNation / World
Study: Armed security officers are on the rise in US schools
WASHINGTON (AP) — Armed security officers are becoming more prevalent at America’s schools, according to a federal study released Thursday amid a heated debate over whether teachers and other school officials should carry guns. Armed officers were present at least once a week in 43 percent of all public schools during the 2015-16 school year, […]