Maine once ranked among the nation’s top states in reading and math. By 2024, it ranked among the lowest in both subjects, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the nation’s report card. In the same report, Maine was listed as one of 14 states where students performed significantly below the national average.
Hello, I’m Senator David Haggan, and I have the honor of representing nine communities in Penobscot County and three communities in Hancock County.
Before retiring in 2024, I spent more than 36 years teaching middle and high school social studies. Seeing Maine’s student outcomes decline over several decades is deeply concerning to me.
Rather than address the root causes of this decline, the state has simply increased spending, with total education spending accounting for a third of our state’s general fund expenditures. Spending per student is now higher than the national average while our outcomes have plummeted.
A recent report from Educate Maine found that 82% of surveyed Maine school districts are using at least one reading program not backed by science. This report comes after Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin and Gov. Janet Mills announced their “back to basics” plans to improve reading and math skills.
But announcing a plan is easy. Delivering results is what matters.
Maine needs clear, rigorous academic standards. We need reliable testing that measures whether students are meeting those standards. And we need consistent reporting so parents can see what is working — and what is not.
We also need to put proven instruction at the center of every classroom. For reading, that means evidence-based materials, well-trained teachers and early screening for students who are falling behind. We must also strengthen math and science instruction. Maine should review its minimum high school requirements and determine whether they are preparing students for college, skilled trades and the modern workforce.
Additionally, we need to provide Maine students with every possible opportunity for success. Earlier this year, the federal government created a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). To benefit from this program, all Maine had to do was opt in. Unfortunately, rather than take advantage of this opportunity, the administration and legislative Democrats rejected every opportunity we put forward to participate.
The path forward is clear: Set high expectations, use proven instruction, measure progress honestly and act quickly when students fall behind.
Maine did not lose its standing overnight, and we will not regain it overnight. But decline does not have to be our destiny.
If we get the fundamentals right — reading, writing, math and science — we will do more than improve test scores. We will prepare Maine students to build careers, strengthen their communities and lead our state into the future.
Maine has led the nation before. With focused, accountable leadership, we can do it again.
Thank you for listening. I’m Sen. David Haggan, and it is an honor to represent you in the Maine Senate.
Senator David Haggan is serving his first term representing Senate District 10, which includes nine communities in Penobscot County and three communities in Hancock County. He previously served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives; and he is the Senate Republican lead on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee and Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
