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Articles 1 - 30 of 37
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Attracting, Training, And Retaining A Skilled And Ready Workforce To Support Maine’S Seafood Economy, Keri Kaczor, Anne Langston Noll
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: …
The Marginalization Of Faculty And The Quantification Of Educational Policy: Lessons From My Many Years On Faculty Senates, Howard P. Segal
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.
Philosophy Across The Ages, Kirsten Jacobson
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
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.
Margaret Chase Smith Essay: The Right Of Independent Thought, Jonathan F. Fanton
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.
The Fabulous Promise And Practical Need For The Humanities In The Twenty-First Century, Liam Riordan
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.
What Are You Going To Do With That Major?: The Humanities, Jobs, And A Career, Patricia Counihan
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.
A Call To Action: Maine’S Colleges And Universities Respond To An Aging Population, Jeffrey E. Hecker, Marilyn R. Gugliucci
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 Urgency Of Democracy, William D. Adams
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.
Not A Big Stretch: Community College Humanities, Ronald G. Cantor
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 …
Innovation Engineering, Brianna Hughes, Kathryn Smith
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
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
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.
Improving Educational Opportunity And Equity Through School District Consolidation In Maine, Christine Donis-Keller, Beth O’Hara-Miklavic, Janet C. Fairman
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
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 …
Stem Education Policy In Maine And The Nation, Thomas E. Keller
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
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 …
Improving Maine’S Future Through Education: Overcoming Challenges And Learning To “Row” Together, Linda Silka, Karen Hutchins, Meredith Jones, Chris Rector
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.
Education On Food, Fisheries And Agriculture, Molly Anderson
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
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.
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
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
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
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 …
National Board-Certified Teachers: Can They Make A Difference In Maine Schools?, Sarah V. Mackenzie, Walter J. Harris
National Board-Certified Teachers: Can They Make A Difference In Maine Schools?, Sarah V. Mackenzie, Walter J. Harris
Maine Policy Review
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was created in an effort to improve the status of teaching as a career. In 2006, the Maine legislature authorized a salary supplement for Maine teachers who were certified by the NBPTS. Sarah Mackenzie and Walter Harris describe their study focused on the value of NBPTS certification in professional development and teacher leadership; teacher motivation for seeking certification; barriers to certification; and how Maine teachers might be encouraged to seek certification. They point out that National Board certification is one among many ways to support and improve the quality of teaching in …
High School Achievement In Maine: Where You Come From Matters More Than School Size And Expenditures, Fern Desjardins, Gordon A. Donaldson Jr.
High School Achievement In Maine: Where You Come From Matters More Than School Size And Expenditures, Fern Desjardins, Gordon A. Donaldson Jr.
Maine Policy Review
Fern Desjardins and Gordon Donaldson report on their research examining the relationship between academic achievement in Maine’s public high schools and school size, per-pupil operating costs, and socioeconomic status. Using aggregated Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) scores, their study confirmed previous research that socioeconomic status (using both family and community measures) is the most important factor associated with achievement, while school size is not a critical factor. Additionally, the authors found that per-pupil operating costs are higher in the state’s largest and smallest high schools. The authors suggest that the creation of larger districts and larger schools, as supported by recent …
You Don’T Always Get What You Want: Lessons To Be Learned From The Demise Of Maine’S Local Assessment System, Rebecca H. Berger
You Don’T Always Get What You Want: Lessons To Be Learned From The Demise Of Maine’S Local Assessment System, Rebecca H. Berger
Maine Policy Review
The recent repeal of Maine’s local education assessment requirement was met with mixed reactions ranging from relief to outrage. That there were such differing responses points to the fact that “assessment” in education is understood in diverse and sometimes contradictory ways. In this article, Rebecca Berger looks retrospectively at how the problems associated with implementing Maine’s local assessment system (LAS) were caused by a lack of understanding of important aspects of assessment as it relates to standards-based reform in education. Using examples from her case study of one Maine school district, Berger notes three areas of ongoing concern: lack of …
Creating Flexibility In Teacher-Certification Policy To Ensure Quality And Equity, Flynn Ross
Creating Flexibility In Teacher-Certification Policy To Ensure Quality And Equity, Flynn Ross
Maine Policy Review
As do many states, Maine has requirements and standards aimed at having “well-qualified” teachers. While few dispute the need for such standards, Flynn Ross brings attention to one case in Portland where use of a standardized exam to certify new teachers was preventing well-qualified—but culturally and linguistically diverse—teachers from becoming certified. She chronicles the successful attempts of one group to petition the Maine State Board of Education to allow greater flexibility in the testing standards. In doing so, she points to a larger truth that well-intentioned policy goals may seek to achieve a greater good, but may at the same …
Potential Efficiency Gains From Consolidation Of Maine’S Educational Resources, Philip A. Trostel
Potential Efficiency Gains From Consolidation Of Maine’S Educational Resources, Philip A. Trostel
Maine Policy Review
Economist Philip Trostel analyzes the size of Maine’s schools and school districts and the costs and quality of education. He argues that some schools and districts may be too small to be cost-efficient; that on average education in Maine costs more per student than in the rest of the country; and that education quality may not be as high in smaller schools as in larger ones, at least based on some measures. While there may be some less-measurable benefits to small schools, Trostel suggests that declining school-age populations and increasing costs should lead policymakers to seriously consider consolidating schools and …
A New Look At Senior Education, Harry Sky
A New Look At Senior Education, Harry Sky
Maine Policy Review
Rabbi Harry Sky, founder of the senior college movement in Maine, provides his insights on the increasing desire by older adults for lifelong learning. He writes that older adults are seeking experiences to counteract the profound sense of loneliness and “disconnectedness” that often accompany retirement. Institutions such as Maine’s senior colleges provide one such kind of experience, though they are not the only answer. Rabbi Sky reflects that in this country, we have not afforded the honor to seniors seen in other parts of the world, and that we should take a page from other civilizations.
School Size Choices: Comparing Small And Large School Strengths, Janet C. Fairman
School Size Choices: Comparing Small And Large School Strengths, Janet C. Fairman
Maine Policy Review
Janet Fairman discusses the thorny issue of school quality, suggesting that small schools have certain strengths compared to larger schools. Data from her study of small high schools in Maine, as well as research literature, suggest that compared to large schools, small schools allow for greater personal attention to students, have greater flexibility in scheduling, programming and instructional decisions, and often have stronger school-community connections that support student achievement and serve important community needs. Using quantitative measures of quality, Fairman notes that school size alone explains very little of the variation in 11th grade Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) scores, while …