MRS Title 20-A, Chapter222: STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Text current through November 1, 2017, see disclaimer at end of document.
Title 20-A: EDUCATION
Chapter222: STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Table of Contents
Part3. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION...... 0
Section6201. LEGISLATIVE INTENT...... 0
Section6202. STATE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED; CONTENT0
Section6202-A. LOCAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED; CONTENT (REPEALED) 0
Section6202-B. MULTIPLE MEASURES OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT...0
Section6203. IMPLEMENTATION (REPEALED)...... 0
Section6204. REPORTS...... 0
Section6205. ASSESSMENT DATA...... 0
Section6206. EDUCATIONAL COSTS...... 0
Section6207. OPTIONAL PARTICIPATION...... 0
Section6208. LEGISLATIVE INTENT...... 0
Section6209. SYSTEM OF LEARNING RESULTS ESTABLISHED...... 0
Section6209-A. STATE VALIDATION (REPEALED)...... 0
Section6210. SCHOOL ASSISTANCE...... 0
Section6211. RULEMAKING...... 0
Section6212. INNOVATIVE, AUTONOMOUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS...... 0
Section6213. INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL ZONES AND INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS 0
Section6214. SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM; ANNUAL REPORTS.0
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MRS Title 20-A, Chapter222: STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Maine Revised Statutes
Title 20-A: EDUCATION
Chapter222: STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE
§6201. LEGISLATIVE INTENT
The Legislature finds that all students graduating from high school must be prepared for success in postsecondary education, careers and citizenship and that a statewide educational assessment program must be implemented. [2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]
There is a need for assessment information at both state and local levels to measure progress and ensure accountability regarding the implementation of the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements under section 6209 and in the department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements. This must be accomplished through assessments to determine what each student knows and is able to demonstrate regarding the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements. [2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]
The assessment system must have the following objectives: [2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).]
1.Statewide assessment. To provide information on the academic achievement and progress of Maine students;
[ 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§3, 4 (NEW) .]
2.State goals. To establish a process for a continuing evaluation of the system of learning results established in section 6209 and to aid in the development of educational policies, standards and programs;
[ 2001, c. 454, §28 (AMD) .]
3.Local programs. To provide school officials with information to assess the quality, effectiveness and appropriateness of educational materials and methods and curriculum needs, including remediation, interventions and enrichment in their schools;
[ 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD) .]
4.Individual students. To provide school staffs with information about the individual students that may be used, with other information, to meet individual and education needs of the student. The statewide assessment program may not be the only criteria for judging student performance;
[ 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD) .]
5.Trends. To identify year-to-year trends in student achievement; and
[ 1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§3, 4 (NEW) .]
6.Parents. To provide parents with information about the achievements of their children.
[ 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, §§D3,D4 (NEW). 2001, c. 454, §§27,28 (AMD). 2009, c. 313, §19 (AMD).
§6202. STATE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED; CONTENT
(CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)
The commissioner shall establish a statewide assessment program to measure and evaluate on a continuing basis the academic achievements of students in grades 3 to 12 on the accountability standards set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements. The commissioner may elect to provide for the use of alternative measures of student achievement in grades 9 to 12. This assessment applies to students in the public elementary and secondary schools, in public charter schools, as that term is defined in section 2401, subsection 9, and in all private schools approved for tuition whose school enrollments include at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous school year's October and April average enrollment. The assessment program must be adapted to meet the needs of children with disabilities as defined in section 7001, subsection 1-A or other students as defined under rules by the commissioner. [2015, c. 40, §4 (AMD).]
1.Assessment in basic subjects.
[ 2001, c. 454, §29 (RP) .]
1-A.(TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 6/30/20) Interpretation. The statewide assessment program results may be interpreted in a manner that takes into account the particular role within a school administrative unit of regional special education or regional alternative education programs or schools approved by the commissioner in accordance with chapter 113-A or section 7253. For these programs or schools, the results may be interpreted by assigning the student and the scores of the student to the school in the community where the student resides. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
[ 2009, c. 154, §3 (AMD) .]
1-A.(TEXT EFFECTIVE 6/30/20) Interpretation. The statewide assessment program results may be interpreted in a manner that takes into account the particular role within a school administrative unit of regional special education or regional alternative education programs or schools approved by the commissioner in accordance with section 7253. For these programs or schools, the results may be interpreted by assigning the student and the scores of the student to the school in the community where the student resides. The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
[ 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §8 (AMD); 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §14 (AFF) .]
2.Additional subjects.
[ 2001, c. 454, §29 (RP) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, §§D3,D4 (NEW). 1985, c. 797, §37 (AMD). 2001, c. 454, §29 (AMD). 2005, c. 118, §1 (AMD). 2005, c. 446, §3 (AMD). 2005, c. 662, §A13 (AMD). 2009, c. 154, §3 (AMD). 2009, c. 313, §20 (AMD). 2015, c. 40, §4 (AMD). 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §8 (AMD). 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §14 (AFF).
§6202-A. LOCAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED; CONTENT
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
2001, c. 454, §30 (NEW). 2003, c. 712, §2 (AMD). 2005, c. 446, §4 (AMD). 2005, c. 593, §§1,2 (AMD). 2007, c. 259, §2 (RP).
§6202-B. MULTIPLE MEASURES OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Each school administrative unit shall use multiple assessment methods to measure student achievement of the learning results set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements established in section 6209 to inform instruction and ensure students are making progress toward achieving the learning results set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section, other curricular requirements and the requirements of a common core course of study. [2007, c. 259, §3 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
2007, c. 259, §3 (NEW).
§6203. IMPLEMENTATION
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, §§D3,D4 (NEW). 1985, c. 295, §29 (AMD). 1993, c. 252, §D2 (RP).
§6204. REPORTS
1.State profile report. The commissioner shall annually report the results of the state assessment program with regard to the general performance profile of the students of the state's elementary and secondary schools.
A. When a report is made under this subsection for purposes of comparative analysis, the reporting mechanisms and the categories reported shall be uniform for each school. [1987, c. 662, §1 (NEW).]
[ 1987, c. 662, §1 (AMD) .]
2.School profile reports. The commissioner shall also provide each participating school with a profile of student achievement based upon data from the assessment program.
A. Every profile provided under this subsection shall use reporting mechanisms and categories which are uniform for each school. [1987, c. 662, §2 (NEW).]
[ 1987, c. 662, §2 (AMD) .]
3.Teacher evaluation.
[ 2009, c. 646, §1 (RP) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§3, 4 (NEW). 1987, c. 662, §§1, 2 (AMD). 2009, c. 646, §1 (AMD).
§6205. ASSESSMENT DATA
The department shall provide each school with assessment data on individual students. Such assessment data shall become part of the student's educational record and shall be made available to the parents of each student or student of majority age in accordance with local school policies. It shall be held confidential from unauthorized persons in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of this Title and federal law. [1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§ 3, 4 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, §§D3,D4 (NEW).
§6206. EDUCATIONAL COSTS
Costs relating to the development of the state assessment program, printing, distribution, analysis and dissemination of results for each school administrative unit shall be paid by the department. [1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§ 3, 4 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, §§D3,D4 (NEW).
§6207. OPTIONAL PARTICIPATION
Private schools approved for attendance purposes may participate in the assessment program, with the approval of the commissioner and upon payment of a fee established by the commissioner. The fee shall reflect the actual cost of the assessment. [1983, c. 859, Pt. D, §§ 3, 4 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
1983, c. 859, §§D3,D4 (NEW).
§6208. LEGISLATIVE INTENT
The Legislature finds that because all children can learn at significantly higher levels, it is essential that the Legislature, the State Board of Education, the Department of Education, school administrative units, educators and parents provide children with schools that reflect high expectations and create conditions where these expectations can be met. Through a shared sense of accountability and a cooperative spirit among State Government, school administrative units, educators, parents, business persons, and the community, school administrative units and educators can develop and teach to high standards that will enable students to become productive and fulfilled members of society. The Legislature further finds that the system of learning results set forth in section 6209 and in department rules implementing that section and other curricular requirements will serve as a foundation for education reform, will promote assessment of student learning, will reinforce accountability and will encourage equity. The Legislature, therefore, encourages the State Board of Education, the Department of Education and school administrative units to employ a high degree of creativity in developing content standards and performance indicators and to explore a wide range of programs and options so that the standards adopted will reflect the highest possible expectations and assessments will be of the highest possible quality. The ultimate goal and intent of the Legislature is to ensure that the State's schools will enable today's students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for postsecondary education, career and citizenship. [2007, c. 259, §4 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW). 2007, c. 259, §4 (AMD).
§6209. SYSTEM OF LEARNING RESULTS ESTABLISHED
The department in consultation with the state board shall establish and implement a comprehensive, statewide system of learning results, which may include a core of standards in English language arts and mathematics for kindergarten to grade 12 established in common with the other states, as set forth in this section and in department rules implementing this section and other curricular requirements. The department must establish accountability standards at all grade levels in the areas of mathematics; reading; and science and technology. The department shall establish parameters for essential instruction in English language arts; mathematics; science and technology; social studies; career and education development; visual and performing arts; health, physical education and wellness; and world languages. Only a public school, a public charter school as defined in section 2401, subsection 9 or a private school approved for tuition purposes that enrolls at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous school year's October and April average enrollment, is required to participate in the system of learning results set forth in this section and in department rules implementing this section and other curricular requirements. The commissioner shall develop accommodation provisions for instances where course content conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of a student's parent or guardian. The system must be adapted to accommodate children with disabilities as defined in section 7001, subsection 1-B. [2015, c. 489, §3 (AMD).]
1.Guiding principles.
[ 2007, c. 259, §5 (RP) .]
1-A.Accountability standards. Each student must be assessed by means of a statewide assessment in the following areas:
A. Reading; [2007, c. 259, §5 (NEW).]
B. Mathematics; and [2007, c. 259, §5 (NEW).]
C. Science, in those content areas concerning cells and continuity and change. [2007, c. 259, §5 (NEW).]
[ 2007, c. 259, §5 (NEW) .]
2.Parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements. Each school subject to the provisions of this section shall ensure sufficient opportunity and capacity through multiple pathways for all students to study and achieve proficiency in the areas of:
A. Career and education development; [2007, c. 259, §5 (AMD).]
B. English language arts; [1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW).]
C. World languages; [2007, c. 259, §5 (AMD).]
D. Health, physical education and wellness; [2007, c. 259, §5 (AMD).]
E. Mathematics; [1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW).]
F. Science and technology; [1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW).]
G. Social studies; and [1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW).]
H. Visual and performing arts. [1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW).]
[ 2015, c. 489, §4 (AMD) .]
3.Career and education development; world languages; visual and performing arts. By the end of the 2007-2008 school year, each local school administrative unit shall implement standards in the areas of career and education development, world languages and visual and performing arts. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the commissioner is authorized to establish rules for inclusion of some portion of the standards in visual and performing arts for the graduating class of 2011-2012.
[ 2007, c. 259, §5 (AMD) .]
3-A.Transcripts. A school subject to this section shall:
A. Maintain student transcripts containing certification of proficiency for each content area and guiding principle in the system of learning results pursuant to this section in which the student has demonstrated proficiency; [2015, c. 489, §5 (NEW).]
B. Certify on the basis of objective measures in the transcript a student's postsecondary readiness; and [2015, c. 489, §5 (NEW).]
C. Establish a transcript that meets the requirements of paragraphs A and B as an officially sanctioned credential of student learning for admission to a postsecondary education institution and employment in a business, trade or industry. [2015, c. 489, §5 (NEW).]
[ 2015, c. 489, §5 (NEW) .]
4.Review cycle. The commissioner shall conduct a review of the content standards and performance indicators by content area on a 5-year cycle beginning in the 2015-2016 school year. The review of the content standards and performance indicators for the content area of social studies, including student achievement of proficiency in personal finance, must be included in the commissioner's review during the 2015-2016 school year. Any changes that are recommended must be approved through the same process used for establishment of the system of learning results. Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, the commissioner shall review and make recommendations for objective measures that may be used to substantiate school certifications of postsecondary readiness.
[ 2015, c. 489, §6 (AMD) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1995, c. 649, §1 (NEW). 1999, c. 75, §5 (AMD). 2001, c. 454, §§31,32 (AMD). 2003, c. 712, §3 (AMD). 2005, c. 662, §A14 (AMD). RR2007, c. 1, §8 (COR). 2007, c. 259, §5 (AMD). 2009, c. 647, §1 (AMD). 2013, c. 244, §2 (AMD). 2015, c. 40, §5 (AMD). 2015, c. 489, §§3-6 (AMD).
§6209-A. STATE VALIDATION
(REPEALED)
SECTION HISTORY
2005, c. 446, §5 (NEW). 2007, c. 259, §6 (AMD). 2013, c. 506, §14 (RP).
§6210. SCHOOL ASSISTANCE
The commissioner shall provide assistance to a school administrative unit when student performance in a school in the school administrative unit, or when a review of the comprehensive education plan conducted under section 4504, subsection 2, indicates that assistance is needed. This assistance must be based on a thorough review of the comprehensive education plan, as required in section 4502, subsection 1, and the evidence of student performance provided by the school administrative unit's local assessment system. This may include assignment of an assistance team by the commissioner to work with the school administrative unit over a period of not less than one year. [2007, c. 259, §7 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
2001, c. 454, §33 (NEW). 2005, c. 446, §6 (AMD). 2007, c. 259, §7 (AMD).
§6211. RULEMAKING
The commissioner shall develop rules to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. Rules adopted by the commissioner under this chapter must include guidelines and protocols to strengthen the capacity of school administrative units to ensure sufficient opportunity through multiple pathways for all students to achieve proficiency in meeting the state standards and guiding principles under the system of learning results established pursuant to section 6209. Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [2015, c. 489, §7 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
2001, c. 454, §33 (NEW). 2015, c. 489, §7 (AMD).
§6212. INNOVATIVE, AUTONOMOUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A school administrative unit may establish and operate an innovative, autonomous public school. The school board may approve an instruction design, a school calendar, a staff selection process and a method for assessing professional development to be used in an innovative, autonomous public school that exceed or differ from, but do not conflict with, applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The school board shall propose, receive and allocate funding for an innovative, autonomous public school as part of the budget process for that school administrative unit in accordance with this Title. A school board may request waivers as necessary to implement an instructional model and associated curriculum that meet the standards of this section for innovation and autonomy. [2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW).]
1.Open enrollment. Any resident student in a school administrative unit is eligible to request enrollment in an innovative, autonomous public school. Enrollment may not be limited to a target population of students. A school board shall establish a method for selecting students when requests for enrollment exceed capacity. A school board may establish a process for determining the maximum enrollment from each municipality in the school administrative unit.
[ 2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW) .]
2.More accountability for student achievement. An innovative, autonomous public school must demonstrate a system for accountability for student achievement that exceeds, but is not in conflict with, the State's accountability standards and the State's assessment system.
[ 2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW) .]
SECTION HISTORY
2009, c. 616, §1 (NEW).
§6213. INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL ZONES AND INNOVATIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS
1.Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Innovative, autonomous public school" means an innovative, autonomous public school established pursuant to section 6212. [2013, c. 303, §2 (AMD).]
B. "Innovation plan" means a plan for the creation and operation of an innovative, autonomous public school, a teacher-led school or innovative zone or district as described in subsections 2, 3 and 4. [2013, c. 303, §2 (AMD).]
C. "Innovative public school district" or "district" means a school administrative unit in which all schools operated by the school administrative unit are innovative, autonomous public schools or teacher-led schools included in an innovation plan approved pursuant to this section and implemented by the school board. [2013, c. 303, §2 (AMD).]
D. "Innovative public school zone" or "zone" means 2 or more innovative, autonomous public schools or teacher-led schools operated by a school administrative unit that share common interests, such as their geographical location or educational focus, or that sequentially serve classes of students as they progress through elementary and secondary education and in which a school board implements an innovation plan approved pursuant to this section. [2013, c. 303, §2 (AMD).]
E. "Public school" has the same meaning as in section 1, subsection 24. [2011, c. 446, §2 (NEW).]