Maine's Education System Faces Criticism Over Falling Scores and Restrictive Enrollment Policies
Maine's educational system is facing criticism following a significant decline in achievement scores and restrictive open enrollment policies. The Kids Count Data Book, released in June, highlighted these issues, with Governor Janet Mills acknowledging the state's educational performance had dropped by 27 places over the past decade.
Maine's educational achievement scores have plummeted in recent years. In 2015, the state ranked 14th nationally, but by 2025, it had fallen to 41st. This decline can be attributed to decreasing reading and math proficiency rates among students. Meanwhile, the state's open enrollment policies have been deemed among the worst in America by a new analysis. Maine allows transfers only under exceptional circumstances and lacks a comprehensive open enrollment policy, scoring zero points in all seven categories alongside Alaska, North Carolina, and Maryland. Furthermore, the state's education association does not track rejected transfer requests, nor does it provide written denials or an appeals process.
Maine's educational system faces challenges on multiple fronts, with declining achievement scores and restrictive open enrollment policies. The state must address these issues to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for its students.
