Education Commons^™

Black Bear Exchange Food Pantry & Clothing Swap, Bodwell Center For Service And Volunteerism

General University of Maine Publications

The Black Bear Exchange envisions a community where all those who work at and attend the University of Maine have equitable access to resources; and where creative, situation-specific collaborations are actively nurtured to meet needs. This community will also value the reuse of goods and seek to eliminate the waste of resources. These actions will minimize dependence on supra-local, socially unaccountable systems and better provide for the well-being of all community members.

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion At Umaine Action Plan, Robert Dana

General University of Maine Publications

The University’s Diversity Action Plan guides our efforts to achieve seven key goals: communicate clearly and affirmatively the University’s commitment to diversity; make substantial progress on our Affirmative Action goals; retain employees of difference; value diversity as an essential component of the curriculum; increase the percentage of undergraduate and graduate students of color; retain those students through degree completion; and offer programming to sustain a community of respect for differences.

• Appoint a President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion.
• Make diversity and inclusion central to the Strategic Visioning Process.
• Update Diversity Action Plan for UMaine.
• Upgrade the …

Umaine Study Examines Dilemma Of Weighted Grades, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

The value assigned to an “A” varies in high schools throughout Maine and nationally, and as college admissions and scholarships based on class rank raise the stakes, administrators are scrambling to devise rigorous, equitable grading systems. About half the nation's school systems assign weighted grades, allowing more points for high grades in Advanced Placement or other accelerated courses than for the same grades in less demanding classes, according to a new study from the University of Maine. But with no state or national standards to guide high schools that weight grades or to clarify their meaning to college admissions officers, …

New Educational Partnership Sharing Responsibility, Resources To Improve K-12 Teaching And Learning, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

A new partnership forged on common goals to improve K-12 teaching and learning is off to a strong start this fall, with expanded representation and an ambitious agenda. The Penobscot River Educational Partnership: A Professional Development Network (PREP:PDN), unites the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development and seven area school systems in a collaborative effort that links all areas of teacher preparation and professional development. The network is based on sharing and strengthening resources and expertise.

Future Teachers To Learn Violence Prevention Strategies, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

University of Maine students preparing to be teachers will get some expert advice on how to recognize the clues and deal with the realities of bias, harassment and violence in today’s schools. A Nov. 5 workshop for students in the College of Education and Human Development’s teacher candidacy and Master of Arts in Teaching programs will focus on early detection of problems and positive intervention.

Upward Bound Students Plan Statewide Rally At Umaine, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

More than 150 high school students from the state’s five Upward Bound sites will gather at the University of Maine Saturday, Nov.13 to discover what they have in common and to share information about how their programs differ and are connected. The first joint Upward Bound Programs Rally will feature presentations by students and staff from each site, a keynote address, campus tours and many opportunities to get acquainted and celebrate the individual achievement and supportive teamwork that characterize the program.

New Educational Partnership Shares Responsibility, Resources To Improve K-12 Teaching And Learning, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

A new partnership forged on common goals and needs unites the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development and seven area school systems in a commitment to improve teaching and learning by bridging the gap between educational theory and classroom practice. The collaborative network, based on sharing and strengthening resources and expertise, links all areas of teacher preparation and continuing development.

Young Writers To Hone Skills At Umaine Camp, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Some of the state’s top writing teachers will lend expertise and encouragement to help students develop composition skills and polish their prose during the first Young Authors’ Camp scheduled July 12-16 at the University of Maine. Sessions for third through 12th graders will be led by exemplary teachers who have completed the rigorous requirements of the Maine Writing Project at UMaine, the state’s official National Writing Project site.

Umaine Upward Bound Continues Tradition Of Building Success, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Upward Bound will mark its 34th year at the University of Maine this summer when 145 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors served by the federally funded college preparation program launch into six weeks of academic study and career exploration. The campus residential summer experience runs June 26-August 5.

Grant Rewards Students For Research, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

A $10,000 grant from the Nellie Mae Fund for Education to the University of Maine Upward Bound program is helping some high-achieving, low-income students with first-year college expenses. This is the sixth year the non-profit foundation has awarded grants to support pre-collegiate research internships for Upward Bound Math/Science students during the "Bridge" year between high school and college.

New Book Promotes Democracy, Power Of Drama In Teaching, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Drama brings democracy to learning, yet it's an under-used technique in American classrooms, says an author of a new book that presents drama as a powerful and inclusive way of teaching abstract concepts, supporting reading and writing, and understanding different perspectives of life. "Drama is not theater, and it's not about performance. It's exploration," says Jeffrey Wilhelm, assistant professor of literacy education at the University of Maine, who with colleague Brian Edmiston of Ohio State University wrote "Imagining To Learn: Inquiry, Ethics, and Integration Through Drama" (Heinemann 1998).

School Readiness Begins At Home, Not The Same For Everyone, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

A child's perceived readiness for school is locally based and varies in accordance with community culture, resources and expectations, according to a University of Maine researcher, who says preschool screening should be an instructional starting point for a teacher, not a placement tool to label children or keep them out of kindergarten.

Graduate Students Learn From, Give Back To Area Schools, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Students in the University of Maine's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program have spent much of the past year working with classroom teachers in three area communities They brought new ideas and varied experiences to schools in Old Town, Brewer and Orono. They also offered a rare commodity in busy public schools -- the time and resources to do research and evaluations and to develop new programs and materials.

The Bottom Line On Reading Programs: Most Work Some Of The Time, With Some Students, Paula Moore

General University of Maine Publications

Debate continues to rage in academic and research circles over beginning reading instruction. The controversies are heated and politically charged. Now, the so-called Reading War is boiling over into the popular press and stirring up unnecessary fears among parents and community members that schools and teachers may not be using the "best" method to teach reading. In Maine, reports about the Reading War are turning up with regularity in local newspapers and on radio talk shows and statewide newscasts.

Education, Social Reform Leader James Comer Named Visiting Professor At Umaine, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

The creator of the innovative program that is leveling the playing field for poor minority children in inner-city schools will bring his experience and expertise to the University of Maine. Noted educational reformer and child psychiatrist James P. Comer will work with students, faculty, and educators and policymakers statewide over the next 18 months following his appointment as Shibles Distinguished Visiting Professor in the College of Education and Human Development.

What Is Really New About Barbie's New Friend?, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Barbie has a new friend. So what, you ask? Why has this new doll caught the attention of the national news media? Because Barbie1s friend has a disability. She uses a wheelchair. She is purported to be a symbol of diversity.

Pain Of Peer Rejection Follows Children Into Adulthood, Says Umaine Researcher, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Children rejected and taunted by their peers suffer in silence, their plight often going undetected or ignored by educators, according to a University of Maine researcher who cautions that negative labeling can severely affect a child's self-identity and lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of unacceptable adult behavior.

Closer Look At Tax Burden Rankings Reflects Disparities, Notes Umaine Study, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Is Maine's tax burden really a millstone? Not necessarily, say University of Maine researchers. It all depends on the factors and numbers used to arrive at a ranking. The perceived weight of Maine's tax burden as the 10th highest in the nation has been the driving force behind Gov. Angus King's tax reform plan. And Money magazine's recent state-by-state tax burden ranking placing Maine in the number five slot has made headlines statewide.

Holidays Increase Pressure On Children In Changing Families, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Holidays center on family and traditions, but when families change, so do the traditions. For children caught in the middle of an expanding web of households, the pressure can take the fun out of holidays and turn anticipation to dread. The key to easing the tension is honest and positive communication, says a University of Maine professor. Regardless of the circumstances, when parents divorce or remarry, children are confronted with new people, problems and feelings to deal with, says Dorothy Breen, associate professor of counselor education. "Holidays and the pressure to spend time in different places are hard for everyone, …

Early Literacy Center Introduces Second Series Of Little Books For Early Readers, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Maine themes abound in the second series of Little Books for Early Readers produced by the Center for Early Literacy at the University of Maine's College of Education. Lobster, potatoes, blueberries, and the sea are among the subjects of the 30 small books, written by Maine teachers and featuring photos of Maine youngsters at school, at home, and at play, as well as photos and stories about animals and other activities children enjoy. The new series was introduced June 24 at the statewide Early Literacy Conference held at UMaine.

Quality Schools And Supportive Communities Give Maine Students Educational Edge, Robert A. Cobb

General University of Maine Publications

Public schools are constantly scrutinized and often criticized as any public trust should be, but Maine also should take great pride in the accomplishments of its students and teachers. Here are just a few examples of the outstanding teaching and learning taking place in Maine classrooms, made possible by a supportive citizenry.

Maine Youngsters Outshine California In Reading But The Difference Is Greater Than Phonics, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

No abstract provided.

Maine Fourth Graders Top National Reading Assessment, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Maine fourth graders lead the nation in reading proficiency, according to the latest nationwide assessment of student achievement. The 1994 National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the "nation's report card," recently released by the U.S. Education Department shows Maine students outscoring their colleagues in 39 participating states and two jurisdictions, Guam and Department of Defense overseas schools.

Educational And Cultural Opportunities Similar For Gifted Students In Rural And Suburban Schools, Kay Hyatt

General University of Maine Publications

Gifted students in rural schools report just as many opportunities to participate in enriching extracurricular activities as their suburban counterparts, but there is a large range of availability among rural schools. Rural students in schools without gifted programs tend to have fewer other options for activities than do their rural peers in schools with gifted education programs. The conclusions were reached by researchers in Maine and Virginia who conducted studies to examine differences in opportunities and resources for middle level gifted students.