Assessment Information

Local Assessments:

There are a number of ways that we assess student learning in RSU #87. We use student observations, formative assessments and parent feedback as informal ways to collect information on how students learn best, where they struggle and where they succeed. A more formal way that we collect data is through the district's local assessment, the Northwest Evaluation Association, more commonly known as the "NWEA." The NWEA collects information in several areas of student acheivement including math and reading. Teachers are able to use the data provided to provide individualized supports and enrichments for students. As administrators and curriculum teams, we're able to use this data to evaluate our curricula and instructional practices so it best suites the needs of our students. This assessment is given three times per year (fall, winter and spring), and students' results are sent home to parents. Click here for more information about the NWEA for parents.

State and Federal Assessments:

In order to receive state and federal funding, RSU #87 is obligated to participate in state and federal testing. The state requires public schools to particpate in the Maine Comprehensive Assessment System (or MECAS). There are a number of assessments in this system, but for most students, they will participate in the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA). The MEA assesses students' knowledge in literacy, mathematics and science. Please click here for more information about the MECAS. Below is a list of the testing windows for the 2019-2020 school year.

Testing Opt-Out Option: RSU #87 utilizes all assessment data to help inform the district's decisions around curriculum and instructional practices. Although we encourage students and parents to participate fully in our assessment program, it is important to note that parents/guardians may opt their child out of state testing. If you are interested in doing so, please reach out to your child's principal to make this request in writing.

2019-2020 Testing Schedule

12/1/19 through 3/1/20 PAAP--Alternate Science Task Bank

1/6/20 through 2/28/20 WIDA ACESS for ELL Students

3/1/20 through 4/30/20 PAAP--Alternate Science

3/16/20 through 4/10/20 eMPowerME Mathematics & ELA/Literacy

4/27/20 through 5/8/20 Science MEA