THE STATE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN MAINE

As posted yesterday, I attended the luncheon in Bangor yesterday conducted by the Maine Heritage Policy Center. BTW, I am finding that this organization does not appear to be aligned with one political party or another, but more with Accountable Government. Isn't that something we all should be pursuing? It's difficult these days when we try to find objective reporting of news and information.

The luncheon speaker was Steve Bowen, the Center's Director for Education Excellence. As a former teacher, Mr Bowen is both motivated to look at the subject of his presentation which had to do with the state of Maine education and current education issues, but he is also an excellent speaker. He was well armed with facts from a variety of professional and objective sources that evaluate the state of Maine's public education as compared to public education across the nation. Bottom Line: Maine is not doing so well.

Because of the vast amount of information I obtained (my fingers could barely write fast enough. Mr. Bowen kindly agreed to send me copies of his slides), there will be several postings over the next few weeks to present the information in detail.

However, think about the following: From 1992 to 2007, Maine has increased the spending per pupil 113 % while the inflation rate during the same period has gone up only 46 %. In 2007 (the most recent year when data is available), Maine was spending $11,387/per pupil while the national average was $9,666/per pupil for the same year. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

The Maine Residency Enrollment for Elementary and Secondary schools in 1995-96 was just under 220,000. During that same period the student teacher ratio in Maine schools was 14.5:1.

In 2008, the Maine Residency Enrollment for Elementary and Secondary schools was just under 195,000. During that period, the student teacher ratio was 11.5/1 (fewer student population = smaller classrooms = lower student/teacher ratio).

Maine school MEA test scores in the 11th grades between the years 2000 and 2005 showed scores that were FLAT in Math and Science. So schools switched over to using SAT testing in 2006 for 11th graders. Between 2006 and 2009, the scores were FLAT OR DECLINING in Math and Writing.

So the question is: Since Maine is spending more money per student (than the national average) and the student/teacher ratio is smaller than it used to be - WHY are Maine students doing so poorly when the time comes (the 11th grade) to test what they are learning?

I'll be providing some of the answers (and more questions) in future postings. Stay tuned.

These students are our future (for our state and country) and it's our money that's paying for their education.