What is the MEA?
The Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) was mandated by the Maine Educational Reform Act of 1984. The assessment is administered to all Maine students in grades 3,4,5,6,7 & 8.
The MEA includes the following content areas:
Writing
Reading
Mathematics
Science and Technology
Students are asked to demonstrate their knowledge through:
Writing samples
Multiple choice answers
Open responses (short, written answers) Constructed responses (longer essay-type responses)
When will I Know My Child's Scores?
Your child’s scores will be mailed to you as soon as the school receives them. We cannot be more helpful with this date because the scoring timeline changes year to year. The scores usually arrive sometime over the summer.
Scores are reported as performance levels:
Exceeds the Standards
Meets the Standards
Partially Meets the Standards
Does Not Meet the Standards
If you have any questions about your child’s scores, please call the school.
How Can I Help My Child Prepare for the MEA?
Talk to your child about the MEA. It is beneficial for children to know that the test is important. It is essential that children do not become overly anxious about the test. Some of the following ideas might be helpful to discuss with your child:
• The MEA is a series of several different tests given over several days. The time for each test ranges from 45 - 70 minutes.
• The MEA does not affect your child’s report card.
• If your child is absent on a test day, there are days planned for make-up tests; although please make every attempt to have your child at school during the regular testing periods.
(Please see the schedule in this booklet.)
• Your child may use his/her own calculator or a school calculator during certain parts of the math test.
(Please see the test schedule in this booklet.)
• Your child cannot “study” for the MEA. Encourage your child to do his/her best.
How Can I Help My Child During the MEA?
Please be sure that your child receives adequate amounts of sleep during the testing period.
Start your child’s day with a good breakfast !!
Send a healthy snack for breaks during the testing.
Please make sure your child is at school on time!
Why Do We Give the MEA?
Our students have spent their lifetime learning. The Maine Educational Assessment is an opportunity for our students to demonstrate what they have learned from their rich home and school environments.
The MEA is a standardized test required by the state and federal governments. It provides information in these areas:
Student Progress
The MEA provides our school with information about individual students which, along with other information, helps us better meet students’ individual educational needs. Copies of assessment results are placed in students’ school records and mailed home to parents. This test is one of a variety of assessments used in SAD 6 to measure student achievement.
Accountability
Results from the MEA help us assess the quality, effectiveness, and appropriateness of educational methods and materials. The MEA is aligned with the content standards and performance standards of the Maine Learning Results. It is the instrument used by the federal government to determine if Maine schools are meeting the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Community Awareness
The MEA provides the community with information on the academic achievement and progress
of Maine students and schools.
Schedule for March 2008
Grade 3
Tuesday, March 4 • Reading
Wednesday, March 5 • Reading
Thursday, March 6 • Reading • Math - 1 session
Friday, March 7 • Mathematics - 2 sessions • Questionnaire |
Grade 4
Tuesday, March 4 • Reading
Wednesday, March 5 • Reading
Thursday, March 6 • Reading
Friday, March 7 •Mathematics - 2 sessions
Monday, March 10 •Mathematics •Science
Tuesday, March 11 •Science/Technology •Questionnaire |
Grade 5
Wednesday, March 12 • Reading
Thursday, March 13 • Reading
Friday, March 14 • Reading • Mathematics - 1 sessions
Monday, March 17 • Mathematics - 2 sessions
Tuesday, March 18 •Science/Technology
Tuesday, March 19 •Writing • Questionnaire
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