At PES our curriculum is aligned to our RSU 5 partner schools and state standards. All areas are designed to build foundational skills while developing higher level thinking. The learning environment is shaped to ensure that teachers are able to differentiate instruction so students will be able to reach their full potentials. Here are some specifics about the various subject areas.
Reading
Readers' Workshop in grades K-5 provides a structure to meet all readers at their levels and encourage authentic and engaging experiences. Teachers provide a balanced literacy approach addressing comprehension, decoding, and fluency using both fiction and nonfiction.
Writing
Students use experience and mentor text to craft informational, narrative, and opinion writing in writing workshop using Mossflower Reading & Writing Project Units of Study Curriculum. In each unit of study there are opportunities to go from drafting to revising and editing. Each unit ends with a celebration of a finished piece. Teachers document evidence of student progress using on-demand pieces at the beginning and end of each unit.
Spelling
Our teachers assess students' knowledge of spelling patterns three times a year using the Developmental Spelling Inventory and work samples. Spelling skills tend to progress through stages. Teachers use their assessment information to design appropriate spelling and vocabulary instruction using a variety of resources.
Math
Our math curriculum is taught using the Everyday Mathematics program. Teachers use assessment information to differentiate instruction and report student progress on standards after each unit. A copy of goals for each grade level is located at http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/about/program_goals/.
Science and Social Studies
Our teachers Science Units are developed to align with Nex Gen Science Standards. Over the next three years, students in grades 3-5 have new units developed by Open Sci Ed. Prek-5 Social Studies is taught through thematic units tied to the Maine Learning Results.
Related Arts
Students enjoy daily specials that provide enrichment and connect to learning opportunities in the classroom. Students have two physical education classes each week. Beginning in PreK, all students have a weekly Art, STEM, Music, and Library each week. Students in grades 4 and 5 have the opportunity to learn a band instrument. Each class also has a weekly SEL class with our School Guidance Counselor.