Asking students to demonstrate the development of literacy knowledge and skills is essential in the learning process and indicates whether or not the goals of education are being met. Assessment information affects decisions about grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, and curriculum.
Common and Formative Assessment
Often called assessment for learning, formative assessment provides ongoing feedback between the teacher and student to improve teaching and learning. Assessment for learning helps students identify their strengths, weaknesses, and target areas for further learning. Formative assessment also helps teachers recognize where students are struggling so they can address the problem immediately.
Early Literacy Screening
Maine Revised Statute 20-A M.S.R. § 4701-B requires school administrative units to screen students in kindergarten through second grade who have difficulty in these areas: phonological and phonemic awareness, sound-symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding skills, rapid naming skills, and encoding skills.
Accountability and State Assessment
The Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MeCAS) provides information about the academic progress of students, schools and the state as a whole.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) & International Assessment
Maine DOE National & International Assessments Webpage: Information regarding Maine’s results, test administration, professional development & training, as well supports and resources.
The National Center for Education Statistics: See the results of the latest administration of the NAEP Reading Assessment, as well as additional resources supporting reading.