Teaching & Learning

Our district is committed to high academic achievement for every child. Dr. AMAnda Hersey
Asst. Superintendent of Schools

Our curriculum, instructional methods, and assessment tools are built upon the Maine Learning Results (MLR) and academic standards. These standards provide a set of clear expectations as to what students should know, understand, and be able to explain as they progress through each K-12 grade level. The MLR emphasizes complex content and concepts, and the development of needed real-world skills like problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.

A strong curriculum is a deliberate and thoughtful plan for teaching and learning. It provides every student with a challenging and meaningful education. Our aligned curriculum includes four key elements:

• Standards and benchmarks aligned with state standards, define both the academic skills and the course content students should master.
• Instructional strategies our teachers use in the classroom are based on research and data on how students learn best.
• Instructional materials for teachers and students, such as textbooks, manipulatives, lab materials, and technology.
• Assessments, both formative and summative, allow for frequent evaluation of students’ progress toward meeting the standards.

In order to improve student achievement, maintain educational excellence, and to incorporate current research in the areas of instruction, learning, and assessment, the following procedure is used to evaluate current programming: Timeline for Program Reviews: File IL-R: Procedures for Evaluation of Instructional Programs.

This page is designed to help families understand the Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MECAS)

Q: Where can I see results from previous assessments?
The ESSA Data Dashboard provides public access to student performance data on Maine's Educational Assessment (MEA's). 

Q: Should my child take the tests?

A: Assessing student learning is an essential aspect of education, as it provides data that can lead to improved instruction and outcomes. Assessments take many forms, and each type of assessment has distinct value and purpose in a comprehensive assessment system. For more information on why participation matters see: Why Participation Matters

The Maine DOE is required by Maine Statutes 20-A, Section 6209, and by the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act to assess all students in grades 3-8 and at one point in high school in the content areas of mathematics and English language arts (ELA)/literacy.

Q: What are the names of all the new tests and the content/grade level each cover?

A: ELA and Math will be assessed using the Maine Through Year Assessment. Science will be assessed using the New Meridian Science Assessment. The Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MECAS) offers equivalent alternate assessments (for students with documented significant disabilities).

 

General Education	Alternate	Grades
MEA Math & Reading Maine Through Year Assessment	MEA Alternate MSAA	3rd through 8th grades & 2nd year high school
MEA Science	MEA Alternate Science PAAP	5th, 8th, 3rd year high school
ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners)	Alternate ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners)	K through 12

Q: Is the assessment aligned to the Maine Learning Results?
A: The Maine Learning Results are the State standards for eight content areas and are periodically reviewed to ensure they are aligned to better prepare our students for success in college and career readiness.

Q: Can you clarify state law and federal law regarding opt-out and the process/procedure for families wishing to opt-out?
A: Federal statute requires that parents receive notification indicating their right to request the District's policies and procedures regarding student participation in state and local assessments. When this information is requested, the district will provide all applicable information to families. The District should be prepared to provide families with their assessment-related policies and procedures. This would include non-participation (opt-out) procedure if the District and school has such a procedure in place.

The Every Student Succeeds Act requires at least 95% participation in state assessments, including reading, math, and science. As a result, because the expectation for eligible students to participate in the state assessments is founded in the Every Student Succeeds Act, the State of Maine has no opt-out policy for students. Students not taking the assessment are considered non-participants in the assessment. Please call your school principal with questions.

Q: Will the assessment be paper-based or online? 
A: The assessment will be online.

Q: What are the assessment dates for the 24-25 school year?
A. Assessment information can be found at this link. This document is kept up to date.