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How Maine is implementing the research findings in the National Research Council Report, "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children."
Although this report has recently been released, the work of the Maine Department of Education has been in alignment with these research findings. Using the data of the listed researchers, many initiatives have already been established and are in the process of implementation. In addition, Maine has established an advisory group on early literacy. The goal of this group is to build upon the extensive efforts and partnerships already underway in the state. The Advisory Group represents policy makers, university professors, teachers, public school administrators, parents, and Maine Department of Education staff. They will compile both quantitative and qualitative data about early literacy in Maine. This work will be used to make recommendations on assessment, curriculum, instruction, and professional development practices. The target date for the completion of this work is June 1999.
The Maine Department of Education (MDOE), coordinating with the University of Maine and school administrative units, demonstrated leadership with the initiation and expansion of the Reading Recovery Program. This has been in response to state educators who requested staff development models that offer a research base, opportunities for collaboration among staff members, and that contain assessments that can be used for making decisions about students for instruction and program reporting. State funds have been allocated for training in this program since 1993. The MDOE Office of Compensatory Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine and local school districts, promoted and helped to fund literacy courses and training to support this initiative and to provide information and strategies that could be used with diverse and challenging students across grades K-3.
Kathryn Manning
Office of Compensatory Education
19 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0019
(207) 287-5306
(207) 287-5174 Fax
E-mail: kathy.manning@state.me.us
[Maryland]