As the State of Maine continues to take action on the ConnectED initiative and be certain that we are prepared for the transition to computerized assessments starting next school year, we need to better understand what bandwidth is currently available in the classroom at our schools.
Continue reading “Test school network speed to help Maine prepare for computerized assessments”
This week, the Department was proud to announce that one of the Maine schools we had nominated had been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School.
The Williams-Cone School in Topsham was one of 236 public schools nationwide named by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan into this prestigious program that recognizes schools where students perform at very high levels or show significant improvements in closing achievement gaps.
Continue reading “Topsham school recognized for high student performance”
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded more than $15.1 million in Enhanced Assessment Grants (EAGs) to three state education agencies—North Carolina, Maryland and Texas—to develop or enhance their Kindergarten Entry Assessments (KEA).
Anita Bernhardt, the Maine DOE’s science and technology content specialist for the past six years, has been named the Department’s new coordinator for standards and instruction. The restructured position reflects the Department’s efforts to better support all Maine schools in their improvement efforts.
Continue reading “Bernhardt named coordinator for standards and instruction”
The State Education Department’s action came in response to concerns from the adult education community about readiness to move to a fully computer-based test by 2014 as would be required with the current exam provider
AUGUSTA – In an effort to better support the college and career readiness of all Mainers, the State has chosen a new high school equivalency assessment provider.
Beginning in 2014, Maine will offer the ETS high school equivalency test program, known as HiSET, which covers the same content areas as the current GED and allows test-takers to demonstrate proficiency of the academic skills expected by employers and post-secondary institutions.
Continue reading “Maine replaces GED with new equivalency exam”
Updated Oct. 8: The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium has noticed a weak trend in high school registration for the field test. To have a sound assessment, it is imperative that Smarter Balanced obtain a sufficient number of students in all tested grade levels. Please register your school by the Oct. 15 deadline.
Maine schools will have the opportunity to participate in the spring 2014 field test of the Smarter Balanced assessment in preparation for the full spring 2015 administration of the test. This is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with the new test design and for teachers and administrators to gain exposure to the logistics and prepare for a smooth transition to the new assessment.
Continue reading “Updated: Schools, districts invited to participate in Smarter Balanced field test”
The National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for the Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), is seeking nominations for five four-year positions on the Governing Board. Maine educators are encouraged to nominate themselves or others.
Continue reading “Board that oversees NAEP seeking new members”
The following information summarizes the State assessments schools will administer during the 2013-14 school year and the associated testing dates. The list also includes additional assessment options that are not required but are provided to school administrative units as tools to support instruction.
Teachers and administrators are reminded that Smarter Balanced practice tests are available all grade levels from 3 to 8 and at grade 11. These practice tests are an excellent way for teachers to preview what to expect in spring 2015, for students to get practice in online testing and for parents to begin to understand how the new tests will better assess student achievement and understanding of both content and concepts. Continue reading “Reminder: Smarter Balanced practice test available”
Maine has published a request for proposals (RFP) for a new adult high school equivalency assessment provider, citing concerns from testing sites they would not be able to completely transition to the GED® computer-based test by 2014.
Continue reading “State seeks new adult high school equivalency assessment provider”
Maine DOE Newsroom 