Standardized Test Prep in Maine
If you live in the Pine Tree State and have a student who will be taking part in Maine standardized testing in the near future, it’s important to know what to expect. Maine standardized testing includes various assessments that are part of the Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MECAS). These tests are designed to measure the progress of Maine’s public school students.
This page includes information on Maine standardized testing, what is assessed and when, how Time4Learning can help students prep for these assessments, and more.
What State Tests Are Available in Maine?
The state of Maine has a testing and accountability system in place to ensure that public school students are receiving proper instruction and progressing adequately. All Maine standardized testing falls under the umbrella of Maine Educational Assessments (MEA). These assessments are administered annually to students, with the majority of testing beginning in third grade.
Below is a list of Maine’s current standardized tests.
- eMPowerME – This is the state’s summative assessment in math, English language arts (ELA) and literacy for grades 3-8. The test is administered via an online format.
- Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) – This alternate assessment is for students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3-8. Like eMPowerME, it tests students’ knowledge and progress in math, ELA and literacy. It is also administered during a student’s third year of high school.
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) – Students in their third year of high school take the SAT which assesses their knowledge in math, ELA, and literacy. The test also includes an essay portion. The SAT is administered on paper.
- Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) General Science – The general science assessment is administered to students in grades 5, 8 and during the third year of high school. Students are assessed on standards pertaining to the following: physical science (universe and solar system; earth; matter and energy; force and motion), and the living environment (biodiversity; ecosystems; cells; heredity and reproduction; and evolution).
- Science Alternate Assessment (SAA) – Formerly known as the Personalized Alternate Assessment Portfolio (PAAP), this science assessment is for students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 5, 8 and those in their third year of high school. The SAA measures student progress and utilizes Extended Science Expectations to allow students to demonstrate what they know and can do.
- WIDA ACCESS for ELLs – This computer-based, English language proficiency assessment is designed for English learners in grades 1-12 and is administered as needed. Kindergarten students are administered a paper-based version. Students are assessed on their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. English learners with significant cognitive disabilities take the WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.
In Maine, all public school students are required to be tested in math, ELA, and science in specific grades throughout their academic careers. If a parent would like to opt their student out of Maine standardized testing (which they are legally allowed to), they need to meet with their school district to share their concerns and discuss their options (there may be penalties for opting out).
When is Standardized Testing in Maine?
Maine standardized testing takes place during specific administration windows each year. Below is a general overview of when each test is administered.
- eMPowerME – March-April
- Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) – March-May
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) – April
- Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) General Science – March-May
- Science Alternate Assessment (SAA) – April-May
- WIDA ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs – January-February
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Maine?
Every year, homeschoolers in Maine are required to show progress by submitting year-end evaluations. Although homeschoolers in the Pine Tree State are not required to take standardized tests, they can use the state tests as an option for their year-end evaluations. Other options include submitting results of a test developed by local school officials or a letter from a Maine certified teacher that states the child’s progress.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Maine Test Prep
Preparing for Maine standardized tests with an effective test prep tool can help students gain confidence and achieve high scores. In addition to being an award-winning homeschool curriculum, Time4Learning is also a comprehensive program that many families use to prepare their children for standardized testing.
Below are some of the reasons why families in Maine use Time4Learning for Maine standardized test prep.
- Our online curriculum includes test simulations for grades 3-8 to help students gain confidence in their test taking skills.
- Thousands of online lessons in math, language arts, science and social studies help students from PreK-12th practice for all of Maine’s standardized tests.
- 24/7 access means that students can log in anytime, anywhere to get a head start.
- Time4MathFacts provides a fun, engaging way for students to practice their math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division — crucial skills for success in a number of Maine standardized tests.
- Language arts curriculum includes lessons in reading comprehension, grammar, and writing — all important for ELA and literacy testing.
- Time4Languages allows English language learners to prepare for the English language proficiency assessment.
- K-5 students can practice for Maine’s science assessments with Science4Us, an interactive, STEM curriculum, while older students can use Time4Learning’s middle school science or high school science programs.
- As a student-paced curriculum that is also an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, Time4Learning can help students with special needs prepare for Maine’s alternate assessments in math, ELA, and science.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results when taking standardized tests in Alabama. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their academic confidence while reducing test anxiety.
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By Regina
“…she leaped ahead of her peers on her state test when returned to public school, we used it during homebound when there was a mismedication, and use it now as a supplement for a teacher that refuses to teach.”
