Maine School Safety Center Announces Release of First Phase of School Bus Safety Training Modules

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine School Safety Center (MSSC), is pleased to announce the release of the first phase of training modules developed for school bus drivers. The training modules are available in EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s online professional learning platform.

The self-paced modules are designed to provide school bus drivers and school transportation professionals with the information and resources they need to train students in safe school bus riding practices. One of the goals of this initiative is to establish consistent safety standards across Maine so that students throughout the state receive the same safety messages from their school bus drivers.

The training modules were developed using nationally recognized school transportation safety guidance and best practices, including resources and recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST), and other recognized school transportation safety organizations.

The modules use a “train-the-trainer” approach. School bus drivers across Maine will complete the modules followed by a short quiz at the end of each course. The training provides drivers with consistent information and talking points they can use when teaching students about staying safe on and around the school bus.

The first phase includes modules to teach students about:

• Waiting at the Bus Stop
• Crossing in Front of the Bus
• The Danger Zone
• Loading and Unloading Practices
• Riding on the Bus
• Respect on the Bus
• Emergency Exits
• Railroad Crossing Awareness

Each module also includes an information sheet for parents and families. Schools may share these materials with parents so they are aware of the safety topics being taught to their children and can reinforce the same messages at home.

To access the modules, log in to EnGiNE. EnGiNE is the Maine DOE’s online professional learning platform. Those who do not already have login credentials can easily create them using their school email address. For support in creating an account and/or using EnGiNE, please visit the EnGiNE Support Page.

When a module is completed by the school bus drivers, the transportation directors will be able to access the information and keep proof of the training on record.

The Maine School Safety Center is proud to be part of Maine’s continued efforts to strengthen school transportation safety throughout the state. These training modules provide schools and transportation programs with a consistent resource for teaching students how to safely ride, board, exit, and interact around the school bus.

By providing school bus drivers with consistent training materials and safety messages, Maine can work toward a standardized approach to student school bus safety education across the state, while incorporating nationally recognized safety guidance and best practices.

For more information, please reach out to Maine DOE Transportation Specialist Cheryl Brackett at Cheryl.Brackett@maine.gov.

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