Assessment
Learn about changes made in 2022-2023 by the MDOE regarding state-wide assessments. Click here.
2024-2025
Maine Department of Education Assessment Calendar
Learn more about the Maine Through Year Assessment (NWEA)
Learn more about iReady Math Screener
Learn more about iReady Reading Screener
Learn more about New Meridian Science Testing
Learn more about the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)
Learn more about Winslow High School's Advanced Placement Exams
Remember that you can learn more about Winslow's assessment data by visiting the MDOE's
Why Participation Matters-1.pdfWinslow Public Schools are dedicated to ensuring that each student receives a quality education. Often, that educational pathway winding from Pre-K through graduation is shaped differently for each individual learner. In order to provide the necessary supports and challenges for our students we acquire assorted data throughout the year in order to make educational decisions that are in the best interest of each student. These assessments are varied in order to allow us to triangulate the data and get the best possible view of how our students are doing. This triangulated model includes standardized assessments from the Maine Department of Education, standardized assessments from within each grade level within each school (i.e. uniform unit assessments in math or DRAs in ELA), and assorted individual assessments within classrooms that include both formative and summative measures. The practice of assessing students is dynamic and can change over time. Examples of changes that impact assessment include, the Maine Learning Results (standards) evolve and are revised over time, the curriculum grows and may change over time, new assessment measures may be required or made available to schools, classroom resources and practices may evolve and change over time as research about teaching and learning reveal new "best practices", etc. As a district, we are committed to keeping abreast of any such changes and to adjust our assessment practices accordingly in order to meet the needs of all students.
From Maine Department of Education:
Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (MECAS)
Assessing student learning is an essential aspect of education, as it provides data that can lead to improved instruction and outcomes. Assessments take many forms, and each type of assessment has distinct value and purpose in a comprehensive assessment system. Educators, policymakers, and the assessment community use assessment data to improve education and to address needs for the workforce and the economy.
ESSA includes provisions that will help to ensure success for students through equitable access to high-quality instruction. Equity in assessment is a part of equity in education and requires putting systems in place to ensure that every child has an equal chance for success. Data collected through all aspects of a balanced assessment system helps to increase understanding of the unique challenges and barriers faced by individual students or by populations of students. A balanced assessment system is a critical element in assisting Maine’s educators with ensuring that every Maine student has access to the necessary accommodations and supports to equitable opportunities for success.
The MECAS provides information about the academic progress of students, schools, and the state as a whole. The MECAS includes state assessments, known as the Maine Educational Assessments, which measure the progress of Maine students in the areas of English Language Arts and Literacy, Mathematics, and Science. The variety of assessments in MECAS allows for comparisons between Maine students and students in other states and nations. These comparisons can help educators, families, and communities, and educational agencies measure the quality of the curriculum, address achievement gaps, and understand where additional supports may be needed. As a part of this collaborative process between Maine’s educators, schools, and districts as well as the Maine Department of Education, we continue to strive to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity for success.
What tests are required in Maine?
***As of 2022-2023*** NWEA Reading and Math testing will be required of students in grades 3-8 and 2nd (formerly 3rd) year of high school. NWEA Language Usage testing is no longer required.