Regional Forums Facilitated by Members of the Diploma Stakeholder Group

INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO: 55
POLICY CODE: IKF

TO: Superintendents, Principals, Curriculum Leaders, CTE Directors, Teachers
FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner
DATE: January 27, 2009
SUBJECT: Regional Forums Facilitated by Members of the Diploma Stakeholder Group

The Maine Department of Education is coordinating regional informational forums across the State to share the recommendations of the Diploma Stakeholder Group. Chapter 173 of the 123rd second session of the Legislature requires that the Commissioner of Education convene a stakeholder group, referred to in this resolve as “the stakeholder group,” to examine the state laws and rules pertaining to the curriculum requirements and standards for awarding a high school diploma.

Pursuant to the resolve, the stakeholder group was to develop and present a model that integrates secondary school curricula, programs and services so that all secondary students can graduate from high school well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. In examining the current statutes and rules that pertain to the curriculum requirements and standards for awarding a high school diploma, the stakeholder group was to develop recommendations that demonstrate how students can meet graduation requirements using multiple pathways that include career and technical education programs. The group met six times from August through November of 2008. The stakeholder group offered their recommendations on November 25, 2008 in the form of a PowerPoint presentation.

Members of the stakeholder group will facilitate regional informational forums in late January and early February to share their recommendations to educators in the field.

The regional informational forums will occur at the following dates and times listed below:

January 27, 2009
Cumberland County - Westbrook High School 3:30-5 PM
Contact: Anita Bernhardt, anita.bernhardt@maine.gov

February 4, 2009
Western Maine – Lewiston High School 4-5:30PM
Anita Bernhardt, anita.bernhardt@maine.gov

February 4, 2009
MidCoast Region – Camden Hills High School 4-5:30 PM
Patsy Dunton, patsy.dunton@maine.gov

February 5, 2009
Hancock County – Ellsworth High School, 4-5:30 PM
Argy Nestor, argy.nestor@maine.gov

February 9, 2009
York County – York County Community College, Wells 3:30-5PM
Jana Boody, jana.boody@maine.gov

February 10, 2009
Kennebec County – Messalonskee High School 4-5:30 PM
Don Reutershan, don.reutershan@maine.gov

February 11, 2009
Aroostook County – Caribou High School Performing Arts Center 3-4:30PM
Diana Doiron, diana.doiron@maine.gov

February, 2009 (date to be determined)
Washington County – We will use three ATM sites
Argy Nestor, argy.nestor@maine.gov

February, 2009 (date to be determined)
Penquis Superintendent Region
Dan Hupp, dan.hupp@maine.gov

Each forum will review the stakeholder group’s final recommendations (in PowerPoint) and will be facilitated by a stakeholder group member. There will provide an opportunity to ask questions.

Please contact Wanda Monthey at wanda.monthey@maine.gov or the Department of Education contact listed above if you have any questions.