Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (MPCL)

A continuous school improvement model dedicated to increasing the academic achievement of all students through ongoing professional development for educators.

A photo of a teacher with a child at a classroom table, together looking at an open book.

Program overview

Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy at the University of Maine is a PreK-12 Tier I continuous school improvement model. The model is dedicated to increasing the academic achievement of all students through ongoing professional development for educators. Literacy achievement is the tool used for measuring school improvement in four related areas: student learning, teacher perceptions, school climate and school processes.

MPCL affiliated schools establish a partnership with the University Training Center at UMaine to create a system for successful literacy education. This commitment includes:

  • Training and support of a literacy coach within the school
  • Collection of data to monitor the progress of every student
  • Provision of safety nets for at-risk students
  • Development of a school leadership team
  • Establishment of a long-term professional development plan that includes every teacher

Interested MPCL coach applicants must have a master’s degree and secure the approval of the building principal and district superintendent.

A photo of a teacher reading a book to an elementary class.

University Training Center For Comprehensive Literacy

MPCL Coach coursework requires a yearlong, nine credit course of study provided by the MPCL Trainer, including:

  • EEL 580/581 Theoretical Perspectives within MPCL Coaching I & II
  • EEL 582/583 Clinical Practices in MPCL Coaching I & II
  • EEL 585 Reflective Practice in MPCL Coaching is also offered on a regular basis

The MPCL coach provides ongoing professional development for teachers at the school site, while the school team oversees and monitors the learning of all students. University of Maine graduate courses are taught at the school level by the MPCL coach. These courses include:

  • EEL 553/554 Literacy Teaching and Learning I & II
  • EEL 552 An Exploration of Writer’s Workshop in PreK-12 Classrooms
  • EEL 554 An Exploration of Reader’s Workshop in PreK-12 Classrooms
  • EEL 556 An Exploration of Language Workshop in PreK-12 Classrooms

The school and coach maintain a partnership with the MPCL Trainer for ongoing professional development and implementation support.

Debra Lewis Hogate, Coordinator and Senior Trainer

Nicholas Slabyj, Administrative Specialist

For current information about tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s office.

For further information, contact the University Training Center for Comprehensive Literacy, call 207.581.2493 or go to umaine.edu/maineliteracy.

Contact Us

For questions about applying to the program, please contact MPCL Coordinator Debra Lewis Hogate. For general queries, coehd@maine.edu.

UMaine Graduate school Contact form