Basic Testing Information
Federal requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) require all states, including Maine, to administer a statewide assessment in mathematics, reading, and science. This is one of many requirements that enable Maine to accept more than $70 million in federal funding for Maine schools.
Please click here for information about all of the State Assessments used in Maine.
Participation Matters!
Our goal is for every student to engage in these assessments and put forth their best effort. While it is true that state and federal laws require that we test all students in grades 3-8, and those in their second or third year of high school, for us it means more. The results of these tests help us to inform our work with students to promote their progress in learning. Having all students complete the assessment ensures that we comply with our use of federal Title IA funds, the money we use to support at-risk learners. Here is a resource about why participation matters.
Can you clarify state law and federal law regarding opt-out?
Both Maine State Statute and federal law require that “each student must be assessed through a statewide assessment.” Additional legal information regarding “opting out” with citations in the respective federal and state laws can be found here. If you have concerns about your child’s participation in the assessment, please contact your child’s principal.
RSU 56 utilizes all assessment data to help inform our practices at the district, school, classroom, and individual levels for our students. Although we encourage students and parents to participate fully in our assessment program, it is important to note that parents/guardians may opt their child out of state testing. If you are interested in doing so, please also reach out to your child’s principal to make this request in writing.