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Maine
Statistics on children, youth and families in Maine from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Maine Children's Alliance
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Why This Indicator Matters
Reading skills are foundational tools for future learning and success of students. Students who are proficient in reading by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue post-secondary education, earn more as adults and successfully transition into adulthood.
See also the Casey Foundation Report Why Reading Matters
What the Data Shows
For the years 2020-2023, the most recent year 2023 the state experienced a drop in student testinga t or above state expectations from 84.1% in 2022 to 63.9% in 2023. At the county level, in 2023, Cumberland County had the highest rate of 72.8% at or above state expectations, followed by Knox County at 69.3%. Counties with the lowest rates at or above state expectations, were Androscoggin County at 51.9% and Somerset County at 54.2%.
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See also the Casey Foundation Report Why Reading Matters
What the Data Shows
For the years 2020-2023, the most recent year 2023 the state experienced a drop in student testinga t or above state expectations from 84.1% in 2022 to 63.9% in 2023. At the county level, in 2023, Cumberland County had the highest rate of 72.8% at or above state expectations, followed by Knox County at 69.3%. Counties with the lowest rates at or above state expectations, were Androscoggin County at 51.9% and Somerset County at 54.2%.
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
Children in Maine public schools in grades 3-8 take standardized assessment tests each spring in reading, math and other subjects. These tests are called MEA's. Grade 4 reading was selected as an indicator because at that grade level students are reading to learn, as opposed to learning to read. The number is the number of students in the county's public schools who took the test and achieved a level of "at or above state expectations" as opposed to "Below or well below state expectations." The rate is the number of students who scored "at or above expectations" divided by the number of students who took the test.
Data Source
Notes
The year represents spring of the school year, so, for example, 2023 refers to the school year of 2022-2013.
Due to Covid-19, the test was not administered in the 2019-2020 school year.
Due to Covid-19, the test was not administered in the 2019-2020 school year.
Last Updated
January 2025