The purpose of this technical manual is to document the technical aspects of the 2002-2003 Maine Educational Assessment (MEA). In the fall of 2002, students in grades 4, 8, and 11 participated in the administration of the MEA in writing, reading, and health education. In the spring of 2003, students in grades 4, 8, and 11 were administered tests in mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and visual and performing arts. This report provides information about the technical quality of those assessments, including a description of the processes used to develop, administer, and score the tests and to analyze the test results. This report is intended to serve as a guide for replicating and/or improving the procedures in subsequent years. While some parts of this technical report may be used by educated laypersons, the intended audience is experts in psychometrics and educational research. The report assumes a working knowledge of measurement concepts such as "reliability" and "validity," and statistical concepts such as "correlation" and "central tendency." In some chapters, the reader is presumed also to have basic familiarity with advanced topics in measurement and statistics. Appended are: (1) Sample Reports and State Results; (2) Delta Plots; (3) Accuracy and Consistency of Classifications; (4) Decision Rules; (5) Quality Assurance Check Lists; and (6) Standard Setting.