Why Does Maine Test Students in ELA, Mathematics and Science?
Each year U.S. students in grades 3-9 and second year of high school take state assessments in ELA and mathematics. Additionally, students in grades 5, 8 and third year of high school (or once per grade band) take a state assessment in science. These comprise a series of assessments designed to highlight strengths and gaps in our educational systems. They are also part of a national accountability system for states.
Every assessment is a snapshot in time; however, the data provides critical information regarding how effectively our educational system at the local and state levels are working. Further, participation is imperative for Wiscasset and Maine to maintain current funding levels from the state of Maine and the U.S. Department of Education. Failing to meet or exceed the 95% threshold for students taking state assessments jeopardizes around $75 million in state funding, which is parsed out to school districts that also meet the 95% threshold. Losing these funds would result in programming cuts and/or increased local property taxes. Please support your student(s) by encouraging sleep, eating breakfast and reducing social media screen time.
Assessments gained tremendous traction at the onset of the 21st century with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiative. The latest iteration of that law is Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in which states may determine their own systems of accountability and reporting if certain criteria, including state assessments that align to state standards, are included. The state assessments in combination with classroom formative and summative assessments create a balanced assessment system to serve our students by informing educators.