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January 18

Education chief: Schools need a new focus

By GLENN ADAMS The Associated Press

AUGUSTA – Public schools need more flexibility to try new methods and put more emphasis on real-life learning experiences, digital learning and independent study, says a report released Tuesday by Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen.

The report, presented at the Capital Area Vocational Technical Center, seeks to refocus the state education system on students rather than on tests and rigid time limits to get students through school.

"There are no big, new programs, no great increases in spending. We're not launching a whole bunch of new initiatives. We don't have the resources we need to do that," Bowen said.

The 35-page report includes no new mandates for schools, although it seeks to nudge them toward accepting a single, clear set of standards for graduation. It also prompts schools to encourage students to use skills and interests they bring into the classroom to advance their studies.

Several students at the presentation were called to the podium to tell how some of the ideas in the report are already working and can serve as models for other schools.

Gareth Robinson, an eighth-grader at Auburn Middle School who has been using technology "since I can remember," completed a social studies project with some classmates in which they used the iMovie software application to make a newscast of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Morgan Horn of Sumner Memorial High School in Sullivan developed a personal learning plan that includes job shadows, college classes and an internship as she aspires to a career in medicine. She's a junior and plans to graduate in January of her senior year.

Bowen said too much emphasis has long been placed on setting time limits to get students through school and grouping students according to age.

In general, Bowen said, schools are based on a century-old model that needs updating to reflect new technology and new needs in the workplace.

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