In the final year of required SAT testing, Maine high school students showed some improvements in math, writing and science scores. But Maine Department of Education officials are not exactly celebrating.
"We're concerned that less than half of students are performing at grade level, and that many of them will still graduate anyway," says Samantha Warren, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Education.
Warren says the tests administered last May to all high school juniors show that math scores rose by about 1.6 percent - but that nearly 52 percent of high school juniors are still not proficient in the subject. Writing proficiency rose by about 4 percent to, 45.2 percent. But reading proficiency fell from 48.6 percent to 47.6 percent.
Warren says many students who failed will go on to graduate anyway, and will likely need remedial courses if they're to enter college. And she says that employers are finding it difficult to hire an educated workforce.
"They can't find skilled workers," Warren says, "and that's because students aren't necessarily graduating with the basic skills in math and writing and reading and science that they need to be successful in the 21st century workplace."
For over a decade, the state of Maine has used the SAT as a required test to gauge student performance; starting in 2015, the state will use a computer-based assessment test, designed to delivery speedier results. The SAT will still be offered as an option to college-bound students.
In 2018, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in key subjects as a condition of graduation.
