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The University of Maine

Maine Policy Review

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Attracting, Training, And Retaining A Skilled And Ready Workforce To Support Maine’S Seafood Economy, Keri Kaczor, Anne Langston Noll Dec 2023

Attracting, Training, And Retaining A Skilled And Ready Workforce To Support Maine’S Seafood Economy, Keri Kaczor, Anne Langston Noll

Maine Policy Review

Despite the many challenges, the entirety of Maine’s seafood economy—from harvesting, transportation and logistics, marketing, and food service—still offers valuable employment and career opportunities. Understanding training needs and career aspirations, as well as how they align to available training and career opportunities is key to addressing the challenges of recruiting, training and retaining a skilled and ready workforce. Findings from recent projects assessing workforce training needs, preferred training formats, existing workforce barriers, and incentives will be shared as well as input from educators and others who support the industry. Recommendations for investment and new programs to support the industry include: …


Assessing Teacher Turnover: Distribution Of Inexperienced Teachers And Emergency-Certified Teachers In Maine Schools, Flynn Ross Jan 2023

Assessing Teacher Turnover: Distribution Of Inexperienced Teachers And Emergency-Certified Teachers In Maine Schools, Flynn Ross

Maine Policy Review

Teacher turnover is a growing problem nationwide and has been found to be concentrated in high poverty districts. This study examined the uneven distribution of inexperienced teachers and emergency certified teachers across Maine’s largest school districts. Maine follows the national trend of higher proportions of inexperienced teachers in school districts with higher concentrations of low-income students. Given the known relationship between teacher experience and teacher effectiveness, this pattern further exacerbates educational inequities.


The Marginalization Of Faculty And The Quantification Of Educational Policy: Lessons From My Many Years On Faculty Senates, Howard P. Segal Jan 2019

The Marginalization Of Faculty And The Quantification Of Educational Policy: Lessons From My Many Years On Faculty Senates, Howard P. Segal

Maine Policy Review

Howard Segal shares conclusions about higher education and policy that apply to public colleges and universities across the country.


The Fabulous Promise And Practical Need For The Humanities In The Twenty-First Century, Liam Riordan Jan 2015

The Fabulous Promise And Practical Need For The Humanities In The Twenty-First Century, Liam Riordan

Maine Policy Review

Guest editor Liam Riordan in this overview article explores the relationship between the humanities and policy in general terms, identifying the recurring themes in the other articles in this special issue of Maine Policy Review. He contends that the humanities offer fabulous promise to enrich the quality of civic life in Maine and that this promise is firmly rooted in how the humanities address our practical need for meaningful human experiences.


Margaret Chase Smith Essay: The Urgency Of Democracy, William D. Adams Jan 2015

Margaret Chase Smith Essay: The Urgency Of Democracy, William D. Adams

Maine Policy Review

In primary and secondary schools in Maine and across the country, classroom time devoted to civics and American political history, along with many humanities subjects, is under increasing pressure. William D. Adams argues that failure to teach these subjects is related to a decline in meaningful polit­ical participation and civic engage­ment of all kinds in the United States. He draws connections between a healthy democracy and democratic citizenship and the ability to think critically, to imagine alternatives, to advance the common good, and to feel empathy and respect for others that a robust humanities education encourages.


Humanities And Education: Section Introduction Jan 2015

Humanities And Education: Section Introduction

Maine Policy Review

No abstract provided.


Not A Big Stretch: Community College Humanities, Ronald G. Cantor Jan 2015

Not A Big Stretch: Community College Humanities, Ronald G. Cantor

Maine Policy Review

Today’s community colleges provide low-cost access to degrees in the humanities and social sciences as well as in technical fields and the trades. The humanities are key to developing the soft skills that employers demand most, and therefore they fit the workforce-development mission of community colleges. Since many students can afford no college other than a community college, their educational and career options would be significantly reduced (with negative economic, institutional, and societal repercussions) if community colleges did not offer courses and programs in the humanities. The humanities enrich our world while inspiring insights that help us to achieve practical …


What Are You Going To Do With That Major?: The Humanities, Jobs, And A Career, Patricia Counihan Jan 2015

What Are You Going To Do With That Major?: The Humanities, Jobs, And A Career, Patricia Counihan

Maine Policy Review

Based on years of experience in a universi­ty career center, Patricia Counihan outlines the value to both employers and future employees of the curiosity, flexibility, and open-mindedness that humanities majors develop through their coursework. A humanities education allows students to thrive in many careers and to be flexible, creative employees.


Philosophy Across The Ages, Kirsten Jacobson Jan 2015

Philosophy Across The Ages, Kirsten Jacobson

Maine Policy Review

This article describes an outreach program called Philosophy Across the Ages (PAA). PAA connects a University of Maine philosophy professor and her undergraduate students with Orono High School students through exciting biweekly seminar-style discussions of philosophical texts from ancient to contemporary times.


A Role For World Languages In Improving Maine’S Economic Climate, Jane Smith Jan 2015

A Role For World Languages In Improving Maine’S Economic Climate, Jane Smith

Maine Policy Review

Jane Smith argues that languages must be a fundamental component in educating Mainers for the global society of the twenty-first century. The article provides a brief overview of the state of world language education in Maine’s K–12 schools and post-secondary institutions and offers suggestions for steps we can take to increase the number of proficient speakers of other languages.


A Call To Action: Maine’S Colleges And Universities Respond To An Aging Population, Jeffrey E. Hecker, Marilyn R. Gugliucci Jan 2015

A Call To Action: Maine’S Colleges And Universities Respond To An Aging Population, Jeffrey E. Hecker, Marilyn R. Gugliucci

Maine Policy Review

Jeffrey E. Hecker and Marilyn R. Gugliucci report on the findings of the Higher Education Workgroup, which is part of the Maine Aging Initiative. They present summary information on aging-related research, gerontology/geriatrics educational curricula, and educational opportunities for older adults including retooling for employment.


Margaret Chase Smith Essay: The Right Of Independent Thought, Jonathan F. Fanton Jan 2015

Margaret Chase Smith Essay: The Right Of Independent Thought, Jonathan F. Fanton

Maine Policy Review

This essay by Jonathan F. Fanton investigates the relationship between the humanities and the right of independent thought, as described by Senator Margaret Chase Smith in her “Declaration of Conscience” speech. The author suggests that independent thought must be renewed continually and culti­vated at every turn, or it becomes fixed ideology that cannot adapt to changing circumstances.


Interview With Doug Hall On The Role Of Training In Innovation, Margo Lukens, Doug Hall Jan 2014

Interview With Doug Hall On The Role Of Training In Innovation, Margo Lukens, Doug Hall

Maine Policy Review

In this interview, Doug Hall gives his current thinking on the teaching of innovation and the urgency for doing so. Hall has been working in the field of innovation for most of his career. He has served as partner and mentor in the University of Maine’s program which offers an Innovation Engineering minor open to undergraduate students in any major and a certificate for graduate students. Hall says that “the world of the guru is done” and that “companies, colleges, and countries need to empower their people to lead the transformation from the inside out.”


Innovation Engineering, Brianna Hughes, Kathryn Smith Jan 2014

Innovation Engineering, Brianna Hughes, Kathryn Smith

Maine Policy Review

A graduate and an undergraduate student reflect on their experiences in the University of Maine’s Innovation Engineering program.


Creative Pathways Through High School: A Response To John Dorrer, “Do We Have The Workforce Skills For Maine’S Innovation Economy?”, Sylvia Most Jan 2014

Creative Pathways Through High School: A Response To John Dorrer, “Do We Have The Workforce Skills For Maine’S Innovation Economy?”, Sylvia Most

Maine Policy Review

In this commentary on a recent Maine Policy Review article by John Dorrer, the author asks whether Maine is on the right track in its current emphasis on “college for all.” Her commentary suggests that students and employers might be better served by revisiting an earlier model of providing more vocational education opportunities.


Homeschoolers And Public Libraries: A Synergistic Relationship, Cynthia Jennings Jan 2013

Homeschoolers And Public Libraries: A Synergistic Relationship, Cynthia Jennings

Maine Policy Review

Homeschoolers are commonly heavy users of their local libraries. this article discusses how libraries can become educational “hubs” for for homeschoolers by developing programs and services to support this burgeoning population.


Critical Issues In K-12 School Libraries, Elizabeth Reisz Jan 2013

Critical Issues In K-12 School Libraries, Elizabeth Reisz

Maine Policy Review

Elizabeth Reisz examines critical issues facing K–12 school libraries at a time of decreasing budgets but increasing recognition of the need for libraries and the skills librarians bring to 21st century education.


Improving Educational Opportunity And Equity Through School District Consolidation In Maine, Christine Donis-Keller, Beth O’Hara-Miklavic, Janet C. Fairman Jan 2013

Improving Educational Opportunity And Equity Through School District Consolidation In Maine, Christine Donis-Keller, Beth O’Hara-Miklavic, Janet C. Fairman

Maine Policy Review

In 2007 Maine passed sweeping school district consolidation legislation mandating a reduction in the number of Maine school districts from 290 to approximately 80. The primary goals of the policy were to improve the educational opportunities for all students in the state; and to reduce costs through increased efficiency in the delivery of education programs and services. Based primarily on interviews with district leaders, this article describes the impacts of Maine’s school district consolidation policy on educational opportunities and equity within 24 regional school districts, one year after their mergers. Findings illustrate the different choices districts made when consolidating their …


On Maine’S First Charter Schools: Promises And Pitfalls, Sarah Butler Jessen Jan 2013

On Maine’S First Charter Schools: Promises And Pitfalls, Sarah Butler Jessen

Maine Policy Review

In the last two years, Maine has begun the process of developing public charter schools throughout the state. As Maine moves forward into this new educational realm, questions need to be raised about what the implementation of charter schools might mean for the state on many levels. This commentary article contextualizes the state’s charter movement by outlining the national debate on charter schools. The article discusses the political, organizational, and educational challenges that these new schools may face as they break new ground. The author calls for evaluative review of each of the charter schools in the state in order …


Margaret Chase Smith Library Student Essay Contest: Improving The American Educational System, First Place Essay, Samantha Leiper Jan 2013

Margaret Chase Smith Library Student Essay Contest: Improving The American Educational System, First Place Essay, Samantha Leiper

Maine Policy Review

Each year, the Margaret Chase Smith Library sponsors an essay contest for high school seniors. In 2013, students were invited to propose what they would do to improve the American educational system.


Margaret Chase Smith Library Student Essay Contest: Improving The American Educational System, Third Place Essay, Mariah Damon Jan 2013

Margaret Chase Smith Library Student Essay Contest: Improving The American Educational System, Third Place Essay, Mariah Damon

Maine Policy Review

Each year, the Margaret Chase Smith Library sponsors an essay contest for high school seniors. In 2013, students were invited to propose what they would do to improve the American educational system.


Improving Maine’S Future Through Education: Overcoming Challenges And Learning To “Row” Together, Linda Silka, Karen Hutchins, Meredith Jones, Chris Rector Jan 2012

Improving Maine’S Future Through Education: Overcoming Challenges And Learning To “Row” Together, Linda Silka, Karen Hutchins, Meredith Jones, Chris Rector

Maine Policy Review

Although people agree that education is a crucial ingredient in the mix of factors that will improve Maine’s economic prospects, we often come at the problem from different angles and develop different methods to improve educational outcomes. In this article, Linda Silka, Karen Hutchins, Meredith Jones, and Chris Rector assert that progress in securing a bright future for Maine requires working together across disciplines and areas of expertise to support education. The authors present nine recommendations for strengthening Maine’s educational systems.


Stem Education Policy In Maine And The Nation, Thomas E. Keller Jan 2012

Stem Education Policy In Maine And The Nation, Thomas E. Keller

Maine Policy Review

Thomas Keller provides an overview of K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education policy in Maine and the nation, and makes recom­mendations for several agencies in the state. He argues that although standards and assessment are important, there need to be corresponding changes instructional materials methods and in school culture. Although we do not yet have a fully integrated STEM curriculum, Keller suggests that “we are overdue for interdisciplin­ary work where possible.”


Sustainability And Workforce Development In Maine, Catherine S. Renault, Linda Silka, James (Jake) S. Ward Jan 2012

Sustainability And Workforce Development In Maine, Catherine S. Renault, Linda Silka, James (Jake) S. Ward

Maine Policy Review

Maine is facing challenges in terms of its work­force: education levels lag behind those in the other New England states; population growth is slow; and the economy is undergoing a change that has shifted from manufacturing to more knowledge-based jobs. Catherine Renault, Linda Silka and Jake Ward discuss these challenges, looking at what employers want in their employees and at the kinds of jobs the state is likely to see in the future. They point out that the Sustainability Solutions Initiative, with its emphasis on a boundary-crossing approach to educa­tion, is an example of a way to train today’s students …


Education On Food, Fisheries And Agriculture, Molly Anderson Jan 2011

Education On Food, Fisheries And Agriculture, Molly Anderson

Maine Policy Review

This article describes the important role of education in helping the growing workforce in food-related industries, as well as the general population. The author notes that education in Maine about food, fisheries, and agri­culture is provided in a wide variety of venues: formal degrees at colleges and universities; Cooperative Extension; farm-to-school programs; the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); and even educational farms. A sidebar by John Rebar discusses the work of University of Maine Cooperative Extension.


Educare: A Catalyst For Change, Lauren Sterling, Sheryl Peavey, Michael Burke Jan 2010

Educare: A Catalyst For Change, Lauren Sterling, Sheryl Peavey, Michael Burke

Maine Policy Review

Educare is a national model for providing center-based early childhood care and education, focused on improving student achievement for children growing up in poverty. The authors of this commentary describe development of Educare Central Maine in Waterville, scheduled to open in September 2010.


The Transforming Power Of Literacy, Barbara Bush Jan 2009

The Transforming Power Of Literacy, Barbara Bush

Maine Policy Review

In the Margaret Chase Smith Essay, former First Lady Barbara Bush discusses the importance of family literacy for preschool and school-aged children and their families. Children enrolled in these programs show significant progress in reading levels and are less likely to drop out of school. Adult participants have greatly improved their reading skills, are more involved in their children’s education, and are better prepared to be good employees.


English Language Learners In The State Of Maine: Early Education Policy That Can Make A Difference, Erin E. Oldham, Julie A. Atkins, Helen D. Ward Jan 2009

English Language Learners In The State Of Maine: Early Education Policy That Can Make A Difference, Erin E. Oldham, Julie A. Atkins, Helen D. Ward

Maine Policy Review

The authors discuss the increasing number of Maine children who are English language learners (ELL) or who are limited-English proficient (LEP), noting that insufficient attention has been paid to the preschool education of this group. The authors describe lessons learned from an Early Reading First Program in Portland, which enhanced the school-readiness of preschool ELL children.


Nsf Gk-12 Stem: A Fellow’S Perspective/A Partner Teacher’S Perspective, Peter F. Smith, Lauree E. Gott Jan 2008

Nsf Gk-12 Stem: A Fellow’S Perspective/A Partner Teacher’S Perspective, Peter F. Smith, Lauree E. Gott

Maine Policy Review

In these commentaries, a partner teacher and a fellow discuss their participation in an NSF-funded program (GK-12 STEM) at the University of Maine that connects science education at all levels, from elementary school through graduate school.


A Revolutionary Model To Improve Science Education, Teachers, And Scientists, Susan H. Brawley, Judith Pusey, Barbara J.W. Cole, Lauree E. Gott, Stephen A. Norton Jan 2008

A Revolutionary Model To Improve Science Education, Teachers, And Scientists, Susan H. Brawley, Judith Pusey, Barbara J.W. Cole, Lauree E. Gott, Stephen A. Norton

Maine Policy Review

To meet many modern global challenges, we need to promote scientific and technical literacy. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) supports a “revolutionary” program to connect science education at all levels, from elementary through graduate school. The authors demonstrate how Maine has benefited from this program. They describe the University of Maine’s NSF-funded “GK-12 STEM” program, which placed graduate and advanced undergraduate science and technology students in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms; provided equipment for the schools; and offered training and professional development for the partner teachers. The authors urge the state, universities, and school districts to continue to …