Instruction and Assessment
The curriculum for our K-5
students offers a wonderful variety of learning experiences. K-5 core
curriculum includes reading, writing, language arts, math, science,
social studies, technology and health.
Maine's 2007 Learning Results:
Parameters for Essential Instruction are used to plan our curriculum
and instruction. They can be found at http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/pei/index.html
We also have started using the Common Core Standards. Maine was the
42nd state to adopt this document. The Common Core State Standards
Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors
Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of
Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in
collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to
provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for
college and the workforce. The Mathematics and Language Arts standarads
can be found at http://www.corestandards.org/
Students must be taught a
variety of skills to be productive citizens of the 21st century. Our 7
Learner Expectations reflect the skills that will be useful throughout
life. We want students to become collaborative workers, involved
citizens, effective communicators, quality producers, knowledgeable
persons, self-directed learners and versatile thinkers.
Our district Educational Planning Office involves teacher
leaders in creating a comprehensive local assessment system.
The faculty at Presumpscot
School are working hard to measure the achievement of students using a
variety of assessments, including the New England Common Assessment
Program (NECAP) and The Northwest Evaluation Association Assessments
(NWEA).
Language Arts
All
Portland public school students in kindergarten through grade three are
using the same literacy curriculum beginning this year. The
standardized curriculum, written by Fountas and Pinnell, will provide
greater consistency throughout the district and make it easier for
students who move from one school to another.
The books, CDs and other curriculum materials cover early literacy
concepts, high frequency words, spelling patterns, letter knowledge,
letter/sound relationships and word meanings. The basic texts used in
the district are “Phonics Lessons: Letters, Words, and How They Work K -2” and “Phonics and Word Study Lessons Grade 3.”
Starting in the
2012/2013 School Year, teachers will be using the Lucy Calkins Writing
Workshop model. For more information about the program please visit http://www.unitsofstudy.com/.
ETEP
Presumpscot Elementary School
has been recognized by the Portland Public Schools as a child centered
developmental site for teaching and learning. Presumpscot School is a
Professional Development Center for the Extended Teacher Education
Program (ETEP) at the University of Southern Maine. The interns are
college graduates, most of who have been in the professional work
environment. Their desire to teach has directed them toward this
vigorous teaching training.
Teacher mentors support the
interns, sharing knowledge about teaching and learning in an authentic
environment and conduct the program in a way that encourages inquiry
about the nature of teaching and learning. We are proud to be able to
guide and coach future teachers.