Maine

		REPORT CARD
		NAEP exams		% Scoring proficient
		1996 8th grade math		31%
		1996 4th grade math		27%
		1996 8th grade science		41%
		1994 4th grade reading		41%
		QUALITY COUNTS 1999 grades
		Standards and assessments		C+
		Efforts to raise teacher quality		C
		School climate		B-
		Resources (funding):
			Adequacy	A
			Equity	C-
			Allocation	B

F or the first time this year, Maine's testing system will be aligned with the content standards the state adopted in 1997. And the state is forging ahead with plans to ensure those standards are used--and understood--by classroom teachers. But the American Federation of Teachers thinks the standards could be more specific. The state has a task force discussing accountability, but this strong local control state is unlikely to include tough consequences for low-performing schools.

* NOTE: The equity grade is based on 1994-95 data, the most recent available.

© 1999 Editorial Projects in Education

Vol. 18, number 17, page 149