The Westbrook School Department hopes to improve scores in the Maine Educational Assessment tests after receiving some disappointing results for the 2005-2006 school year.

In the first year of achievement tests for Grades 3 through 8, Westbrook schools scored below the state average in all three areas of testing. Westbrook scored below average in literacy in Grades 4 through 8, in math in Grades 6 through 8, and in science in Grades 4 and 8, the only grades tested in science. Westbrook posted above-average scores in math for Grades 3 and 5.

“They’re not significantly low, but I think we can do better,” said Westbrook Assistant Superintendent Jan Breton. “We’re not totally satisfied. We’re pleased on some places, but not satisfied enough to rest.”

Breton said she was somewhat puzzled by Westbrook’s low scores in literacy, historically an area of strength. She said she was pleased, however, with the above-average math scores, which she hoped were the result of changes to curriculum last year.

Both Breton and Wescott Junior High Principal Brian Mazjanis agreed getting students interested in the tests is difficult, given that they don’t affect either their grades or their acceptance to colleges.

Mazjanis said he hoped that since students will take the tests annually, some will take an interest in improving from year to year.

“Now that they’re giving them every year, kids will be able to see their growth,” he said. “And as long as the MEAs stay consistent year to year, they’ll have greater value to (educators). We’ll be able to compare from year to year.”

“It’s only one test,” said Superintendent Stan Sawyer. “No one test should be a determining factor of how well students perform.”

As long as the tests are important to the state, however, Sawyer said Westbrook schools have to take them seriously and adjust curriculum to adapt to the test.