As many Maine school districts are working proactively to protect students and educators amid the COVID-19 issue by either implementing non-traditional instruction or closing schools, the Maine DOE is actively working on behalf of Maine schools and students.
Due to school district closures at this time, the following has transpired:
- eMPowerME
The eMPowerME assessment administration window is closed. Previously scheduled test sessions are not accessible within the portal.
- Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA)
The Department continues to work with MSAA member states to determine next steps regarding access and/or closing of the MSAA portal.
- SAT
The Department continues to have twice weekly calls with the College Board to determine next steps and possible impact to the SAT School Day administration on April 14.
- Science and Science Alternate Assessment (SAA)
The Assessment administration windows remain tentatively scheduled to open 3/30 (High School), 4/6 (SAA) and 4/27 (Grades 5 & 8) respectively. As these windows remain some time away the Department and assessment vendors will continue to assess and monitor the COVID-19 situation and determine next steps.
Impact to accountability:
Assessment administration & Accountability:
Per guidance received from the US Department of Education (USDOE) on Friday March 13, the Maine DOE will be seeking a targeted one-year waiver from the USDOE regarding assessment administration and applicable accountability requirements.
Chronic Absenteeism:
The Maine DOE will be seeking a targeted one-year waiver to remove the chronic absenteeism indicator from Maine’s Model of School Support however, the above mentioned waiver from the accountability requirements would supersede this waiver.
Thank you to our educators who are working so hard to care for our school communities. Please remain focused on your important work and know that we are working to get answers and ensure flexibility during this unprecedented time.