GORHAM — State statistics released this week reveal a strong showing for Gorham students in Maine Education Assessment results, drawing praise for the district’s teachers and students.

“We continue to be very proud of the work of our educators and efforts of our students in Gorham,” Christopher Record, assistant superintendent, said in an email Wednesday.

“Overall our district improved by 5 percent in the number of students that met or exceeded the state standard in (English language arts), dipped by less than half a percent in regards to the math standard, and increased a small percentage in the number of students meeting the science standard.”

Maine Department of Education figures show that 1,479 Gorham students participated in the English category and tested with 64.25 percent at or above state expectations.

In math, also with 1,479 participating, the town’s students scored at 50.76 percent at or above state expectations.

With 640 students participating in the science category, Gorham recorded 70.88 percent at or above state expectations.

Gorham students scored  above statewide averages.

Here are the statewide results:

In English, 52.58 percent of Maine students scored at or above state expectations – a notable improvement over 50.58 percent in 2015-16.

In Math, 38.54 percent of Maine students scored at or above state expectations – a slight improvement over 38.31percent in 2015-16.

In science, 61.07 percent of Maine students scored at or above state expectations – a slight improvement over 60.97 percent in 2015-16.

“I am encouraged with how well our students are performing. In 2016-17, students were assessed for the second time on the rigorous standards Maine adopted in 2011 and while participation rates remained high, students showed consistent improvement,” Robert G. Hasson, Jr., Maine Department of Education Commissioner, said in a news release. “This is a true testament to the hard work and determination of our students and their teachers.”

Record said, “While important, the state assessment (MEA for 3-8 grades and SAT for 11th grade) is just one measure at one point in time of our students knowledge and skills. In addition, we also focus on formative and summative assessments that occur in every classroom in our district to guide us in improving our teaching and increasing our learning.”

Robert Lowell can be reached at 854-2577 or [email protected]