AUGUSTA (AP) – Maine plans to eliminate fifth- and eighth-grade writing tests in March, and the state is considering joining a multistate consortium to save money on tests.

Maine Education Department spokesman David Connerty-Marin says the state could save up to $2 million a year by joining New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont in the New England Common Assessment Program. Eliminating the March tests, meanwhile, will save up to $140,000.

Commissioner Susan Gendron warned school superintendents a week ago that the state could freeze or cut subsidies in the next budget.

Connerty-Marin says the department is trying to save money in places “that will have the least impact on the classroom.”

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Information from: Kennebec Journal, http://www.kjonline.com/

AP-ES-10-22-08 0734EDT