2026–2027 School Year

Back to School Backpack for Administrators

Everything you need to start the year strong, organized by the Maine DOE offices and teams that support schools across Maine. Search for a topic or browse by category — look for the New tags to see what changed for 2026–27.

Maine's Professional Learning Ecosystem for Educators & School Staff

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Explore the newly redesigned platform connecting educators and school staff from coastal islands to northern rural communities — with fresh professional learning courses, a cleaner experience, and a brand-new Support Center to help you get the most out of it.

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New This Year

School & Student SupportsBuilding Bridges: Family Engagement FrameworkA statewide framework to help schools build meaningful, sustained family engagement partnerships in Maine.View PDF Technology & LearningBell-to-Bell Cell Phone PolicyA new state law requires every school board to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last by August 1, 2026.Check it out Teaching & LearningWabanaki Studies ResourcesNewly gathered Wabanaki Studies resources for K-12 educators: an Indigenous Literature Kit, grade- and subject-specific curriculum guides, a curriculum framework, and six free self-paced microcourses on EnGiNE.Check it out Workforce & CertificationRISE Award — Now Accepting NominationsRecognize outstanding school staff who inspire students and colleagues. Anyone can submit a nomination.Nominate now Administration & OperationsFY27 ESEA Federal Program AllocationsFY27 federal program allocations are now available so SAUs can plan Title program budgets.Check it out Administration & OperationsTitle I, Part C — Highly Mobile StudentsNew screener questions for identifying highly mobile (migratory) students. Update your enrollment screener.Check it out Administration & OperationsSchool HVAC Modernization GuideA Green Schools Program guide to help SAUs plan and fund modernization of aging school HVAC systems.View PDF School Health ServicesNursing Delegation in Schools — Update & FAQsUpdated guidance and FAQs clarifying when and how school nurses can delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed staff.Check it out School Health ServicesOpioid ResourcesA new overdose management toolkit and a free naloxone education course for schools.Check it out School Health ServicesSeizure Action PlansSupport for SAUs adopting individualized seizure action plans to keep students with seizure disorders safe at school.Check it out School SafetySchool Safety Specialist ProgramProgram details and requirements for the designated School Safety Specialist role, from the Maine School Safety Center.Check it out School SafetySchool Bus Crossing Arm RetrofittingReimbursement is available for retrofitting school buses that lack a front crossing arm. Find the form and details on the Transportation page.Check it out Special ServicesCDS Regional Site & SAU LookupLook up your town or SAU to find which restructured CDS regional site and cohort now serves your area.View PDF Teaching & LearningThe Learning HubA new one-stop hub for instructional resources, standards, and standards review across every content area.Check it out Graduation & Higher EducationDiploma for Educational Disruption — ChangesUpdates to the diploma option for students whose education was significantly disrupted.Check it out Workforce & CertificationTransformational Leaders' Network for PrincipalsRegistration is open for the year-long 2026-2027 network for principals, with a new leadership series for assistant school leaders.Check it out Workforce & CertificationElevating Exemplary Educators ProgramMaine DOE is seeking recommendations of exemplary educators to highlight statewide.Check it out

School & Student Supports

The Importance of Student Attendance cover

Featured Resource Attendance Toolkit A practical, ready-to-use collection of strategies, communication templates, and data tools to help your SAU strengthen student attendance and re-engage chronically absent students. Check it out New for 26–27Building Bridges: Family Engagement FrameworkA statewide framework to help schools build meaningful, sustained family engagement partnerships in Maine.View PDF Chapter 33: Restraint & Seclusion — Updated RuleThe revised rule governing physical restraint and seclusion. Review and align your local policies and staff training before it takes effect.Check it out Family Engagement & Cultural ResponsivenessGuidance and tools for building strong, culturally responsive school–family partnerships across Maine.Check it out Maine PBISPositive Behavioral Interventions and Supports — a statewide framework for improving school climate and student behavior.Visit site Student Wellbeing / Social Emotional LearningSEL guidance, frameworks, and resources to support the whole student and a positive school climate.Check it out Supporting LGBTQ+ StudentsGuidance and best practices for creating safe, affirming, and inclusive learning environments.Check it out Suicide Prevention & InterventionTraining, protocols, and resources to help your staff recognize warning signs and respond effectively.Check it out The Regulated ClassroomA framework for building regulation and connection to help students feel safe, calm, and ready to learn.View PDF McKinney-Vento Screener FormA sample housing questionnaire to help identify students experiencing homelessness and connect them to services.Open form Rights of Unaccompanied YouthFederal guidance on the enrollment rights of unaccompanied homeless youth under McKinney-Vento.View PDF Maine Engagement & Attendance CenterMEAC's evidence-based engagement and attendance resources for schools and families, from the Office of School and Student Supports.Check it out 2026-2027 MEAC Attendance Support SeriesRegister for the monthly series (3rd Thursday, 3:30-4:30, September 2026 through May 2027) where content experts share evidence-based attendance and engagement practices.Register

Special Services

New for 26–27 CDS Regional Site & SAU Lookup Child Development Services has restructured its regional sites. Look up your town or SAU to find which regional site and cohort now serves your area.

Live TrainingUpdated IEP Guidance & MaineCare TrainingThis training provides information to support school administrative units (SAUs), providers, and other stakeholders in understanding and implementing the updated IEP guidance. It focuses on supporting compliance with applicable federal and state requirements and clarifying how MaineCare funding may be accessed for eligible MaineCare-covered services.August 26, 2026 · 3:00 p.m.Join Zoom FAPE OnboardingA month-by-month onboarding guide for SAUs preparing to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to preschool-aged children with disabilities as that responsibility transitions from Child Development Services.Check it out

Early Learning

FeaturedInstructional Programming for MEMaine's open-source “For ME” instructional programs for Pre-K through Grade 2 — developmentally appropriate, play-based lessons aligned to Maine's standards, with free training.Check it out Early Learning Foundational Skills ModuleProfessional learning to strengthen foundational skills instruction in the earliest grades.Check it out

School Health Services

New for 26–27 School Nurse Emergency Guidelines App A new interactive tool giving school staff quick, mobile-friendly guidance for 25+ medical emergencies when seconds matter. Open app

New for 26–27 Opioid Resources A new overdose management toolkit and a free naloxone education course to help schools prepare for and respond to opioid emergencies.

New for 26–27Nursing Delegation in Schools — Update & FAQsUpdated guidance and FAQs clarifying when and how school nurses can delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed staff.Check it out New for 26–27Seizure Action PlansSupport for SAUs adopting individualized seizure action plans to keep students with seizure disorders safe at school.Check it out Maine Guidelines for School HealthA collection of comprehensive guidance documents and protocols for school health services in Maine.Check it out Immunization Requirements FAQAnswers to common questions about Maine's school immunization requirements and exemptions. Updated in 2026.View PDF Maine Immunization Requirements for School ChildrenMaine's immunization rule for school entry (10-144 CMR Ch. 261). Updated in 2026.View PDF School Nurse Evaluation ToolAdministrators can use this competency-based tool to support the professional growth and evaluation of school nurses.View PDF National Certification Review CourseA National School Nurse Certification examination review course, now available in EnGiNE. Encourage your school nurses to become nationally certified.Open course School Health Lending LibraryRequest materials from the school health lending library through EnGiNE.Open in EnGiNE Diabetes Management in Maine SchoolsGuidelines for managing diabetes in Maine schools.View PDF Access Maine — Supports for Children & FamiliesA statewide hub connecting children and families to health, behavioral, and community services.Visit site

School Safety

New for 26–27School Safety Specialist ProgramProgram details and requirements for the designated School Safety Specialist role, from the Maine School Safety Center.Check it out New for 26–27School Bus Crossing Arm RetrofittingInformation and requirements for retrofitting school bus crossing arms to improve student safety at the bus.Check it out Restorative PracticesApproaches that build community, strengthen relationships, and repair harm as an alternative to exclusionary discipline.Check it out

School Nutrition

Nutrition ProgramsAn overview of the federal child nutrition programs Maine schools can participate in.Check it out Important Maine Meals LawsKey state requirements: Meals at No Charge, Breakfast After the Bell, CACFP At-Risk, and the online meal benefit application.Check it out Student EligibilityHow to determine and manage student eligibility for free and reduced-price meals.Check it out Online ClaimsSubmit and manage your nutrition program reimbursement claims online.Check it out Administrative ReviewsWhat to expect and how to prepare for the National School Lunch Program administrative review.Check it out Special Provision 2 & Community EligibilityAlternative meal-counting and claiming options that can simplify operations and expand access.Check it out SNAP in Schools FlyerA Full Plates Full Potential outreach flyer to help connect eligible families to SNAP benefits.View flyer

Technology & Learning

New for 26–27Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone PolicyA new state law requires every school board to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last by August 1, 2026. Includes the model policy and DOE implementation guidance.Check it out Cybersecurity & Infrastructure SupportGuidance and resources to help your SAU strengthen network security and technology infrastructure.Check it out Technology Guidance for Maine SAUsRecommended practices for digital learning, device management, and the healthy, safe use of technology.Check it out Learn With MOOSEMaine Online Opportunities for Sustained Education — free, standards-aligned interdisciplinary learning modules.Visit site

Teaching & Learning

New Companion Tools Literacy & Numeracy Playbooks Interactive, role-specific companion tools to Maine's Literacy and Numeracy Action Plans — actionable strategies, real classroom examples, and tiered guidance for teachers, coaches, and SAU leadership teams. Check it out New for 26–27Wabanaki Studies ResourcesNewly gathered Wabanaki Studies resources for K-12 educators: an Indigenous Literature Kit, grade- and subject-specific curriculum guides, a curriculum framework, and six free self-paced microcourses on EnGiNE.Check it out New for 26–27The Learning HubThe newly launched Learning Hub brings together instructional resources, standards, and standards-review information for every content area in one place, from literacy and numeracy to the arts, sciences, health, and world languages.Check it out Content Standards & Literacy ResourcesMaine's learning standards, literacy guidance, and instructional supports for educators.Check it out Interdisciplinary InstructionGuidance and examples for connecting learning across content areas to deepen student understanding.Check it out

Multilingual Programming Guidance

New for 26–27 Individual Language Acquisition Plan (ILAP) The ILAP documents each multilingual learner’s language development goals, instructional supports, and progress monitoring. Use these resources to build, implement, and review ILAPs across your SAU, supporting shared responsibility, coordinated language development, and meaningful access to grade-level learning.

Updated AnnuallyMaine’s Multilingual Learner Identification & Placement GuidanceNavigate the identification and placement of newly arrived multilingual learners with clear, Maine-specific guidance on screening, assessment options, required training, and placement in ML services. Use this resource to strengthen consistent, equitable practices across your SAU.Maine’s WIDA PageView PDF

Maine’s ELP Screener Checklist: WIDA K-12Streamline your WIDA Screener process with a practical checklist to support consistent K-12 administration, accurate multilingual learner identification, data uploads for SAUs, and translated communication resources that strengthen family partnership.View PDF

Assessment & Accountability

Assessment Calendar SY 26-27Key testing windows and deadlines for the coming year's Maine Comprehensive Assessment System.Check it out Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MECAS)Maine's statewide assessment program — the tests, administration guidance, and reporting resources for each grade span.Check it out Measure What MattersA statewide initiative, developed with Battelle for Kids, that reexamines what educational excellence looks like in Maine beyond standardized test scores. It grew out of 19 listening sessions and interviews with educators, families, students, and community members, and produced the 2025 report "The Expanding View of Educational Excellence in Maine."Check it out

Career & Workforce Pathways

Career & Technical Education (CTE)Resources and program guidance to help students gain real-world skills and industry credentials through CTE.Check it out Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO)Community-based, hands-on experiences that let students earn credit while exploring careers and interests.Check it out Student Career Exploration DashboardCareer and labor-market data to help students explore Maine occupations, wages, and demand.Visit site

Graduation & Higher Education

New for 26–27Diploma for Educational Disruption — ChangesUpdates to the Maine DOE diploma option for students whose education was significantly disrupted.Check it out Early CollegeOpportunities for high school students to earn college credit before they graduate.Check it out Free Community College ResourcesInformation on Maine's free community college program for eligible recent high school graduates.Visit site HiSET™ High School EquivalencyMaine's high school equivalency testing pathway for adults and out-of-school youth.Check it out Adult EducationLocal programs offering academic, workforce, and enrichment learning for adults across Maine.Check it out

Administration & Operations

Watch: Connect data entry webinar

New for 26–27 Connect Data Platform: Data Entry Webinars Three recorded webinars walk SAUs through data entry in Connect as part of the testing process. Choose the one that matches how your unit reports.

New for 26–27FY27 ESEA Federal Program AllocationsFY27 federal program allocations are now available so SAUs can plan Title program budgets for the year.Check it out New for 26–27Title I, Part C — Highly Mobile StudentsNew screener questions for identifying highly mobile (migratory) students. Update your enrollment screener to capture them.Check it out New for 26–27Energy Savings Funding & ResourcesFunding opportunities and resources to help schools reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.Check it out New for 26–27School HVAC Modernization GuideA Green Schools Program guide to help SAUs plan and fund modernization of aging school HVAC systems.View PDF School Enrollment, Attendance & EligibilityRules and guidance governing student enrollment, residency, and eligibility.Check it out School Approval Guidance & DeadlinesApproval requirements and key deadlines for public and private schools.Check it out

Workforce & Certification

New for 26–27RISE Award — Now Accepting NominationsRecognize outstanding school staff who inspire students and colleagues. Anyone can submit a nomination.Nominate now New for 26–27Transformational Leaders' Network for PrincipalsRegistration is open for the year-long 2026-2027 network, a relationship-centered professional learning experience for principals. New this year: a leadership series for assistant school leaders.Check it out New for 26–27Elevating Exemplary Educators ProgramMaine DOE is seeking recommendations of exemplary educators to highlight and learn from statewide.Check it out Certification ResourcesEverything you need to become, renew, or add endorsements as a Maine educator.Check it out Mentoring & Induction ResourcesSupports and program guidance for mentoring and retaining new and developing educators.Check it out National Board Scholarship & Salary SupplementFinancial support for teachers pursuing and holding National Board Certification.Check it out Teach MaineStatewide strategies and campaigns to recruit, prepare, and retain Maine's educator workforce.Check it out Live + Teach in MaineThe Maine DOE has partnered with Live + Work in Maine on the Live + Teach in Maine campaign to support your pursuit of a Maine teaching credential and help you find the right open position. Check out their Welcome Home Events and networking opportunities to connect with others in Maine.Visit site School Job PostingsSearch current teaching and school staff openings across Maine.Visit site Jobs at DOE-Operated SchoolsApply to teach or work at schools operated by the Department, including Corrections education and the EUT.Visit site

Keep up to date with all Maine DOE news and professional learning all year — sign up for our newsletters and bookmark the Maine DOE Professional Development Calendar. Links to outside organizations are for reference only and do not imply endorsement by the Maine Department of Education.