Maine sets its own course of study, called the Maine Learning Results, and revises each subject on its own schedule. Math and reading still run on the 2011 version. Science was rebuilt around the Next Generation Science Standards in 2019, and social studies was refreshed the same year. The result is a homegrown framework that borrows from national work in science but keeps Maine's own language for the rest.
Tests that do not fit the buckets above.
Through-year ELA/literacy assessment for grades 3 through 8, aligned to the Maine Learning Results. Administered in multiple windows during the school year.
Through-year mathematics assessment for grades 3 through 8, aligned to the Maine Learning Results.
Science assessment in grade 5, aligned to the Maine Learning Results for Science (NGSS-based).
Science assessment in grade 8, aligned to the Maine Learning Results for Science (NGSS-based).
Science assessment in grade 11, aligned to the Maine Learning Results for Science (NGSS-based).
Maine administers the SAT School Day to all 11th-grade students free of charge as part of the state's accountability system.
Federally administered sample-based assessment in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. NAEP results inform state-by-state comparisons rather than individual student or school accountability.
The state writes its own standards, called the Maine Learning Results. Reading, writing, and math are based on the 2011 version. Science follows the Next Generation Science Standards, adopted in 2019, and social studies was last updated in 2019.
Students in grades 3 through 8 take the Maine Through Year Assessment in reading and math, given in several windows across the school year instead of one spring test. Science is tested in grades 5, 8, and 11. Eleventh graders also sit the SAT School Day, paid for by the state.
Not by that name. The 2011 reading, writing, and math standards were built from the Common Core, but the state revised the language and adopted them as the Maine Learning Results. Teachers and curriculum directors work from the state version.
There is no fixed cycle. Reading, writing, and math have been in place since 2011. Science and social studies were last revised in 2019. Reviews happen when the state legislature or Department of Education calls for them, which tends to be every eight to ten years per subject.
The grade-by-grade lists on this page show the actual standards by subject. Pick a grade and a subject to see what students are expected to know and do by the end of the year.
