Accountability & Improvement System

ESEA Flexibility/Waiver

The Maine DOE formally submitted a request for ESEA flexibility on Sept. 6, 2012. You can read the full waiver request, in three parts, below.

Read the press release announcing the waiver's submission (published 9/6/12)

See the overview of our draft proposal

The Maine DOE has crafted an accountability and improvement system that's thoughtful, fair and constructive; a system that considers multiple valid measures in determining the performance of students and schools; and a system that helps struggling schools improve rather than feel stigmatized.

This new accountability and improvement system was critical in submitting Maine's request to the federal government for flexibility in implementing the decade-old No Child Left Behind Act (or Elementary and Secondary Education Act). Many (most) states applied for this ESEA flexibility by the Sept. 6, 2012, deadline.

The process for constructing a new accountability and improvement system for Maine began with a series of forums, a survey and other public outreach in September 2011. The Department sent a letter sent to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Feb. 13, 2012, that laid out the state's plans for crafting a new accountability and improvement system.
One of the requirements of the federal process – and a goal shared by us at Maine DOE – is complete transparency and considerable participation by all interested stakeholders and the public. Please use this website to stay informed, to share ideas and to offer feedback.

  • Developing the proposal. To facilitate this extensive work, the Department, in consultation with stakeholders, established a Steering Committee and three work groups. These web pages include the membership, meeting agendas, notes and materials from the groups.
  • Resources. In addition to the resources for specific meetings, this section will include materials that the Department or participants think will inform the discussion.
  • Participate. We want to hear from you! The Department is looking for ideas on measuring school and teacher effectiveness, and crafting a system that holds schools accountable and rewards success.

 

 

9/6/12