Curriculum

MSAD 72 Curriculum

(Curriculum Guide below)

The process by which curriculum is chosen in MSAD 72 follows policy IGA: Curriculum Development and Adoption. 

In the fall of 2023, MSAD 72 began working with the newly hired full-time Curriculum Coordinator.  This was a first time position for the district.  As per the school board expectations, the Curriculum Coordinator, Superintendent, Administrative Team and Curriculum Committee reviewed state scores, grading and curricular materials  to determine a plan of action to support the students of MSAD 72. 

It was ascertained that dropping math scores were an immediate need for further investigation.  The results were that the district was in need of an up to date, vertically aligned (skills, language and strategies building upon each other each consecutive grade level) and thorough resource. The current online resource at that time had been archived by the company, making it increasingly harder to access.

A team of math educators from each school was gathered to research, pilot and evaluate a number of different math programs from late winter to spring. They ultimately chose I-ready, a math program that offers both physical and digital programming, a diagnostic tool, programming that supports students needs based on their own personal results as well as pre-assessment resources to support students who may need additional support before an upcoming instruction. 

The team brought their choice to the Curriculum Committee (School Board members) who ultimately supported the recommendation and sent their support to the Board for implementation. The Board approved I Ready for the 24-25 school year. 

Additionally, a late winter award of a literacy grant allowed us to look closely at our English Language Arts programming. The district had adopted the Lucy Calkins/Teachers College resource; however, newer staff with a gap in professional development in the program and the lack of support from the Maine DOE for the program led us to examine another source of literacy instruction.  

A committee of teachers from each school was once again formed to look closely at new programming. The committee also reviewed, piloted and met with program representatives to understand the options available. The group chose Into Reading, a literacy program from HMH that also offers both physical and digital materials, a writing program and a phonics component, something our previous resource lacked. This program was then presented to the Curriculum Committee, who supported the choice and it was approved by the MSAD 72 School Board.

Links to information about both of these programs can be found with the curriculum materials below. 

While this was our first year implementing these programs, we are optimistic about the growth in our students. Preliminary results in our State assessment show promising results. Please revisit this page in June for more information. 

In addition, the ESSA dashboard is the source of data for Maine schools.  It is currently showing the 23-24 (last spring’s) results for assessments, but is updated annually by the ESSA team  after the state assessments are made available. The link to this resource can be found HERE. 

MSAD 72 Curriculum Guide

Purpose of this guide:

This guide is intended to inform family, community and other stakeholders about the standards and curricula by which educators will deliver Instruction to students in MSAD 72. This guide is a work in progress. We will continue to evaluate the guide and adapt it as necessary, and appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Maine Learning Results

The Standards that our district adhere to are the Maine Learning results. Links to each content area can be found below:

• English Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

• Visual and Performing arts

• Health

• Physical Education

Curriculum Documents:

Below please find the curriculum resources for the content areas of English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.  These documents reflect plans under the current configuration of classes.  Should grade level teams change, the document will be updated over the summer so that the most relevant information is available at the beginning of  the school year. 

In addition, Our Health curriculum for  grades 5-8 can be found here:  Project Wellness Lessons. 

Art Curriculum covers range of techniques and materials as appropriate for grade levels.  Our Art teachers are also embedding the philosophy of TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior)

Our Music offerings embed foundational skills, instrument practice, band and explorations of Music opportunities.