AUGUSTA, Maine - The Department of Education has signed a nearly $4.2 million contract with the New Hampshire-based company Measured Progress to conduct computer-based assessment tests of Maine students.
Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley says the tests will meet several key criteria based in law and policy: "Will be concise, straightforward and be aligned to our Maine college and career readiness standards. Second, the test will be as brief as possible while still being statistically valid."
The new assessments will follow Common Core standards that are part of the Maine Learning Results. The company will also administer the SAT, which will become the state's assessment for high school juniors.
The tests are designed to take less time; the length of earlier tests given Maine students generated considerable criticism.
