In 1992, MCEE released its landmark report, SUCCESS BEGINS WITH EDUCATION, a 15 point plan aimed at making Maine ’s K-12 education system the best in the nation. That report was the beginning of our work as a catalyst for continuous improvement in education.

For nearly two decades, the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education has been a vocal advocate for educational opportunity and equity.  In particular, we have championed standards-based education – the idea that students must demonstrate they have mastered what matters and schools must demonstrate continuous improvement in learning for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background.  In 1997, MCEE was instrumental in putting this simple but profound concept into law as Maine’s Learning Results, but Maine has yet to fulfill that law’s promise of opportunity and equity. 

 MCEE has a vision for a high-quality 21st century education system that spans early childhood through lifelong learning and offers opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills that will make this and future generations successful in life.  As Maine’s only business-education coalition, MCEE is building an organized, engaged, statewide alliance of advocates to recommit Maine to a system where:

• All children have access to the early learning experiences and family supports they need to enter kindergarten ready to learn;
• Student-centered learning, high expectations and expanded learning time in and out of school allow every student to meet high standards and to graduate from high school prepared for productive citizenship and pursuit of college or a credential for an occupational trade;
• Excellence in teaching and leadership are recognized, supported and rewarded;
• All citizens have access to high-quality, affordable postsecondary education and training opportunities, including the necessary supports;
• Parents and communities become more engaged in creating and realizing a vision for learning at the local and state levels;
• Comprehensive information systems allow data-driven decision-making to improve educational equity, opportunity and achievement, in a system that removes institutional barriers between early childhood development, K-12 and postsecondary opportunities; and
• Resources are spent wisely and equitably, with an understanding of the challenges that low-income communities face and of the unique costs of providing a quality education to low-income people, English language learners and other disadvantaged populations;

While there is much of which to be proud, there is still much to do to ensure Maine's citizens prosper and the economy is robust. 

We invite you to join us in our efforts to PREPARE MAINE! This is a call to action campaign that will engage the public in promoting and sustaining public education (early childhood through lifelong learning) as a visible, urgent priority for Maine’s economy and communities. 

SIGN ON to the CALL TO ACTION and let's work together to PREPARE MAINE

click here for information on Prepare Maine

Prepare Maine SignOn Statement

Why?  Because Education is Job One for Maine

Please contact us to learn more or schedule a time to talk about our initiative.