Using Data To Inform Instruction--Stories from Five States. "Maine," the Way Life Should Be

The Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) has provided data to inform curriculum and instruction in Maine's schools for 16 years. The test results, student questionnaire data, and associated professional development opportunities have had a major impact on improving instruction, particularly in English language arts (ELA). In 1997 the legislature approved the Maine Learning Results--standards in eight content areas which form the framework for curriculum in Maine. Now that the MEA has been aligned with "Learning Results," the resulting data on student achievement can be used more comprehensively to plan classroom, school, and district improvement strategies. Students in grades 4, 8, and 11 in all public schools in the state participate in the MEA. The ELA section consists of a reading, writing, and a reading/writing segment, in which students respond to multiple choice, short answer, and constructed response questions related to reading passages. They also complete a writing sample based on a common prompt. Teachers score the writing prompt and evaluate the writing samples. State consultants provide regional workshops to review what was received and how to read the information. Includes sample data. (NKA)