Students scored one point higher than the statewide average and an eight-point gain from two years ago.
MECHANIC FALLS – The 2003 results for the Maine Educational Assessment tests were presented Tuesday night at the Mechanic Falls School Committee’s meeting.
Mary Martin, principal of the Elm Street School, told the committee the biggest improvement was made in mathematics at the fourth-grade level.
Mechanic Falls students scored a 533 on the 2003 tests, one point higher than the statewide average and an eight-point gain from two years ago.
“I’m very pleased with the math improvements,” said committee member Dave Griffiths, who attributed much of the jump to the school’s new “everyday” math program, which places a greater emphasis on algebra, geometry and trigonometry concepts. “It was very controversial at first,” Griffiths said of the program, “but you can see the results.”
In other categories, the fourth-graders scored a 522 in science and technology, a 532 in social studies, and a 531 in visual and performing arts. Those numbers compared to statewide averages of 526, 534 and 531, respectively.
The eight-graders scored 524 in math, 526 in science and technology, 530 in social studies, and 526 in visual and performing arts. The state averages were 528, 528, 532 and 531, respectively.
In other business, Martin told the committee that the school was looking into extending the kindergarten program from a half day to a full day. She said kindergarten content would not change, but the longer day would allow for a more relaxed atmosphere. She said the plan is still in the preliminary stages and would not involve hiring any new staff.
Committee members also heard that the search for a new Union 29 administration building has changed from possible downtown locations in Mechanic Falls and will now focus on constructing a new building on land possibly donated by either Poland, Minot or Mechanic Falls.
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