Maine public schools to be assigned letter grades

Democratic legislators, school officials cry foul over Gov. Paul LePage's education initiative.

http://www.pressherald.com/politics/public-schools-to-be-assigned-letter-grades_2013-04-27.html

By Noel K. Gallagher ngallagher@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND – Instead of handing out report cards, school officials will get grades themselves next week, as the state Department of Education announces A-through-F grades for Maine's 600 public schools.
The first report card has yet to land, but the plan was already drawing criticism Friday from Democratic legislative leaders and school officials.
"Of course we want every school to be the best school it can be, but it appears the governor wants nothing more than to affix an arbitrary letter grade onto our schools to shame them," said Senate President Justin Alfond, D-Portland.

Superintendents will get their schools' grades Monday, and the statewide database will be posted Wednesday on the state Department of Education's website.

read more...