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.