Introduction

Maine's Learning Results

A Summary of the Maine Learning Results The Maine Learning Results Sets High Standards for All Students

One of the biggest changes in public education in Maine has been the development and adoption of the State of Maine's Learning Results. It is important to mention the purpose of the Maine Learning Results and its impact on ALL students.

The purpose of the Maine Learning Results is "to identify the knowledge and skills that are essential to prepare Maine students for work, for higher education, for citizenship, and for personal fulfillment." What does this mean for your child with a disability? What should you know about the Maine Learning Results?

^ top
A Summary of The Maine Learning Results

• Apply to all students, including students with unique learning needs and/or identified disabilities
• Express what students should know and be able to do at different checkpoints in their education
• Are intended to provide the opportunity for all students to become:
  • A clear & effective communicator
  • A self directed & lifelong learner
  • A creative & practical problem solver
  • A responsible & involved citizen
  • A collaborative & quality worker
  • An integrative & informed thinker

^ top
The Maine Learning Results Sets High Standards for All Students

The Maine Learning Results set high standards for all learners. Parents play an important role in making sure their child is included in the Maine Learning Results by:

• Finding out what your school is doing to implement the Maine Learning Results.
• Asking to be part of the planning process.

When the Pupil Evaluation Team (PET) is meeting to plan your child's Individual Education Program (IEP), ask:

• How will the goals in my child's IEP help my child achieve the Maine Learning Results?
• How do the goals in my child's IEP connect to the general curriculum?
  • NOTE: Showing a connection to the general curriculum is a requirement under the IDEA '97 Amendments.

The Maine Learning Results, available through the Maine Department of Education, states:

"In order for all students to have appropriate opportunities to move toward achievement of the Maine Learning Results and demonstrate mastery as they progress, schools will continue to design curriculum, instruction, and assessment opportunities that meet the needs of a diverse student population. A comprehensive, personalized planning approach will be helpful in this effort to identify and meet the unique needs of individual students.

Currently, students with identified disabilities have rights under federal and state special education laws–this does not change with the adoption of the Maine Learning Results. A continuum of services and appropriate adaptations and modifications will still be available to students."

For a copy of the Maine Learning Results, call the Maine Department of Education at (207) 624-6600.