Maine
Maine has implemented several literacy policies aimed at improving reading proficiency among its students. The state's literacy efforts focus on early intervention, evidence-based instruction, and support for struggling readers. One key policy is the Maine Learning Results, which outlines the skills and knowledge that students need to develop in order to be successful readers, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
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Maine also provides training and support for educators in evidence-based literacy practices, such as explicit instruction and the use of assessment data to inform instruction. The state has established the Maine Literacy Partnership to provide guidance and support to educators and promote evidence-based literacy practices.
Maine uses a statewide assessment, the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA), to monitor student progress in reading and identify areas where additional support is needed. The state's Response to Intervention (RTI) framework provides a systematic approach to identifying and supporting struggling readers, with tiered levels of intervention based on student needs.
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The Maine Department of Education also partners with local organizations and agencies to promote literacy development through initiatives such as the Maine Children's Growth Council and the Maine Literacy Connections program. These programs aim to support literacy development among students and families, particularly those in low-income communities.
Maine Student Score Gaps:
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This represents a decline from the 2019 percentage of 4th grade students not reading at the proficient level which was 64%.
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In 2022, Black students had an average score that was 35 points lower than that of White students. Data was not reported for Black students in 1998, because reporting standards were not met.
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Data are was reported for Hispanic students in 2022, because reporting standards were not met.
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In 2022, male students in Maine had an average score that was lower than that of female students by 6 points.
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In 2022, students who were eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) had an average score that was 26 points lower than that for students who were not eligible. This performance gap was wider than that in 1998 (15 points).
Information from the NAEP website for 2022 4th grade reading scores.
ME EVIDENCE-BASED CHAMPIONS
ME EVIDENCE-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
These organizations are committed to promoting evidence-based reading practices, providing professional development opportunities for educators, and supporting students in developing strong reading skills.
Maine Department of Education
https://www.maine.gov/doe/home
International Dyslexia Association Northern New England Alliance
Maine Council for English Language Arts