The policies and procedures for accommodations are designed so that all students with unique learning needs have a fair opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do on the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA).  The MEA has been revised to measure the standards detailed in Maine’s Learning Results, which are scheduled for full implementation in state assessment at the fourth grade, eighth grade, and secondary levels.

 

Test Accommodation Procedures

 

All students being considered for accommodations on the MEA must have their individual situations reviewed by a team prior to the time of assessment. This team should include at least one of the student’s teachers, the building principal, related services personnel, the parent(s) / guardian(s) and, whenever possible, the student. If it is not possible for the parent and student to attend the meeting, they should be consulted regarding the committee’s recommendations for accommodations prior to the time of the assessment.

 

For a student who has an identified disability and an Individual Education Plan (IEP), schools are required to address needed accommodations at a Pupil Evaluation Team (PET) meeting. Membership for this meeting is prescribed in the special education regulations.

 

Students who may be considered for accommodations include, but are not limited to, those who are ill incapacitated in some way, who are limited English proficient (LEP), who have an identified disability, or are unable to work independently in any of the subjects assessed.

 

Recommended accommodations should be consistent with accommodations already being employed in the student’s instructional program. Any accommodations recommended for a student will be reflected in a statement in the cumulative folder of the student ( in the IEP for a student with an identified disability). See the section on documentation for a suggested format.

 

 

Alternate Assessment Procedures: