Published July 02, 2007
Announcement of the plan for high school educators and administrators to receive laptops, professional development and support for next year.
In 2002, the Maine Learning Technology Initiative was created to supply one-to-one laptops, resources, and professional development to all schools in Maine. The long-term plan has always been to provide these resources to all students and teachers in grades 7-12. The middle school program has now been in place for over four years; however, the high school initiative has not yet seen statewide implementation. In particular, this means that equity, a theme central to the MLTI, has not yet been achieved in grades 9-12.
On Tuesday, June 26, 2007, Commissioner Susan Gendron and Director of Special Projects Bette Manchester announced the next step in achieving equity across Maine: all educators and administrators in grades 9-12 will receive professional development, equipment, and support that has been available to their counterparts in middle school. We know that high schools in Maine are striving to have all students “career, college and citizenship ready” in the 21st Century. To this end, it is critical that the educators have the tools and professional development needed to support the educational changes that must take place if we are to realize this goal for everyone.
There is much related work that will continue throughout the summer, as we prepare to meet with the school leadership teams this fall. An Informational Letter to Superintendents will go out in July, specifying district agreement, timelines for leadership meetings, professional development opportunities and delivery of laptops.
The partnership of the MLTI with middle schools has created new educational opportunities and successes; we are excited to see what the upcoming work with Maine high schools will bring to life.
On Tuesday, June 26, 2007, Commissioner Susan Gendron and Director of Special Projects Bette Manchester announced the next step in achieving equity across Maine: all educators and administrators in grades 9-12 will receive professional development, equipment, and support that has been available to their counterparts in middle school. We know that high schools in Maine are striving to have all students “career, college and citizenship ready” in the 21st Century. To this end, it is critical that the educators have the tools and professional development needed to support the educational changes that must take place if we are to realize this goal for everyone.
There is much related work that will continue throughout the summer, as we prepare to meet with the school leadership teams this fall. An Informational Letter to Superintendents will go out in July, specifying district agreement, timelines for leadership meetings, professional development opportunities and delivery of laptops.
The partnership of the MLTI with middle schools has created new educational opportunities and successes; we are excited to see what the upcoming work with Maine high schools will bring to life.
