The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce an opportunity for schools to participate in two separate computer-based testing pilot opportunities.
The first opportunity is in February/March of 2013 for the Maine’s Comprehensive Assessment System (MeCAS) online Science Grade 8 Assessment pilot, which will allow schools to test the operational assessment in May 2013. The second opportunity is in late March/April 2013 for the New England Common Assessment Program online Writing Grade 8 Assessment pilot, which will allow schools to complete the online writing assessment in October 2013.
The goal of both pilot assessments is to confirm a school’s capability to deliver an online assessment both in terms of technological infrastructure and administrative capacity. Only those schools that successfully complete each pilot will be able to test operationally.
Please note: If your school has successfully participated in a previous NECAP Online Writing Pilot (spring 2011 or 2012), you do not need to pilot writing again. However, if you have new staff and would like to participate in the writing pilot a second time, you may do so. Any schools interested in participating in the online science assessment in May 2013 must participate in the science pilot in February/March 2013.
To participate in either or both of the pilot opportunities, please visit: http://www.maine.gov/education/lsalt/index.htm to view the requirements, or contact Susan Fossett, State Assessment Coordinator, at 207-624-6775 or susan.fossett@maine.gov.
The deadline to notify the Maine DOE of your interest is Jan. 22, 2013, for science, and Feb. 1, 2013 for writing.