Professional Learning - English Language Arts

Maine Department of Education encourages and supports the continuous learning of all Maine educators. How schools implement the 2020 Maine English language arts (ELA) standards is entirely a local decision, however, the Department offers these professional development resources that educators may find helpful as part of our commitment to Maine's learners. Through in-person and virtual events, and by sharing free and open resources, Maine DOE provides affordable learning opportunities.

Recent Events 

Reading in High School, a four-part series to explore strategies for helping all students engage with complex, grade-appropriate and content necessary texts and resources. 

Presented by the Interdisciplinary Instruction Team featuring Morgan Dunton, Shari Templeton, April Perkins, and Andrea Logan.

Session 1: Slides      Document      Recording     Reading for Understanding Key Findings

Session 2: Slides      Document      Recording   

Session 3: Slides      Document      Recording     Resources

Session 4: Slides      Recording 

Essential Topics in ELA: What, Why, and How

The Maine ELA standards have been updated. Understand what has changed, why they have changed, and how these changes can impact your practice.

Slides. Session recording 9.22.2021  

How Does the Text Work? Close reading and focus on language development 

Close reading strategies that focus on how a text works build the foundations for learning transfer and literacy growth with complex texts. 

Slides. Session recording 10.7.2021

Writing in Maine: Understanding the Updated ELA Standards

Morgan Dunton and Neal Rioux take a deep dive into the updated standards with a focus on how to implement the streamlined writing standards.

Slides.  Session recording 12.14.2021

Braided ELA Standards: one model

Essential Topics in English Language Arts

Book with heart shaped pages
Standards 

Understand the 2020 ELA standards - changes, tools, and instructional resources. 

Go to the Standards Support page. 

boys playing telephone with cans and wire
Foundational Literacy Skills

The foundations of reading, writing, and speaking rely on direct instruction and practice with support from everyone.

Go to the Foundational Skills Support page. 

decorative image computer with coffee cup
Instruction, Assessment, Feedback and Grading

Providing students purposeful feedback to move learning forward is essential to develop effective communication skills. 

Go to the Instruction Support page. 

multi colored blocks
Braided ELA Instruction and Interdisciplinary Learning 

Implementing the 2020 ELA standards requires an understanding of how the four strands braid together for literacy development and how ELA must interact with all content areas for authentic learning.

Go to the BII Support page. 

Many different Hands
Equity, Inclusion, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

We live and thrive in a global community. Instruction must be welcoming, inclusive, and diverse. 

Go to the EICR Support page. 

Students working on computers
Digital and Media Literacy Development 

Developing digital and media literacy skills for effective communication are essential for success in all disciplines. 

Go to the DML Support page. 

Supporting Students to Develop Literacy in Elementary Grades: A Series for Education Technicians with Dee Saucier

Ed Techs are often on the front line of intervention with elementary students. Develop the vocabulary of literacy instruction and intervention, experience effective strategies, and learn some of the latest research about literacy development. Slides