The ELP math program is dynamic and flexible, meeting the diverse needs of our individual students. We recognize that students require a rigorous and stimulating curriculum to be challenged and will excel and thrive at their own pace.

ELP students meet common core math standards, receive differentiated instruction, delve deeper into complex math problems and may require accelerated and/or compacted curriculum. Opportunities may also include math team and chess club.

Referral and Evaluation

The ELP identification process begins in grade 3. However, in some cases, K-2 students who excel beyond their peers are referred for evaluation. Th ELP teacher and classroom teacher will collaborate on a plan for differentiation. 

At the end of grade 2, teachers and parents may formally refer students for monitoring. In 3rd grade,  referred students begin meeting weekly with the ELP math teacher for differentiated instruction and subsequent testing as part of the evaluation process.  This is an ongoing process and the first screening committee meetings  will take place early winter. 

ELP referrals may be made at anytime throughout the school year in grades 3-8.

Services for Identified Students

Elementary School:

Grade 3: Services for identified students and those being monitored for potential identification include differentiation within the classroom, a subscription to the self-paced electronic ALEKs math program and participation in a weekly ELP math class. 

Grade 4:  Identified students who master 4th grade district standards and ALEKs in 3rd grade may move directly to 5th grade math taught by a 5th grade classroom teacher. Identified students that remain in 4th grade math will continue to receive appropriate differentiation.

Grade 5:  Identified students that remain in 5th grade math will continue to receive appropriate differentiation. Those ready for 6th or 7th grade-level standards receive programming from the ELP math teacher. Student work including assessments are provided to THMS math teachers for review.

THMS - Grades 6-8

Transition meetings with parents and students are held at the end of 5th grade to determine the appropriate pathway for individual students in middle school.  Programming might include :

1. Differentiation in the regular 6th grade classroom or placement in an advanced 7th/8th grade class leading to Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

2. ELP students  completing Algebra 1 in 7th grade will move on to Geometry in 8th grade meeting BAHS standards.

All ELP middle school math students are encouraged to participate on the THMS Math team. It's a fun way to interact with Mathletes from other midcoast schools. Here are the RSU#71 results of the winter 2020 math meet: http://www.rsu71.org/home/announcements/rsu71studentsshinesattheregionalmiddleschoolmathmeet

BAHS: Grades 9-12

In late February as course selections for BAHS are due, 8th grade transition meetings with students and parents are held to determine appropriate courses students should take to meet their post high school goals.  Course titles and course descriptions are listed on BAHS website.

In addition to BAHS classes, online courses through various universities  beyond BAHS course offerings. ELP staff are available for consultation. 

The ELP ELA enrichment  is a literature anchored study of ideas, people and places nurturing  student identity as world citizens within a community of peers developing  strong communication skills  and curiosity through inquiry and independent and collaborative investigations and projects.

ELP literature groups meet weekly through the year to study  shared books, engage in challenging inquiry and enjoy guided discussions. Opportunities may include field trips and the annual Young Authors Conference.

We recognize the importance of educating students to be critical thinkers.  Our weekly book studies involve the opportunity to develop the following skills:

• Listening mindfully to each other

• Making  interdisciplinary connections

• Clarifying issues, conclusions and beliefs

• Developing criteria for evaluating

• Defining essential questions

• Developing one's perspective and original ideas

• Generation of and assessing solutions

(The Critical Thinking Community, 2016)

Referral and Evaluation

The ELP identification process begins in grade 3. However, in some cases, K-2 students who excel beyond their peers are referred for monitoring so that the ELP teacher and classroom teacher can collaborate on a plan for differentiation. 

In grade 3, teachers and parents may formally refer students for evaluation. In 3rd grade,  classroom teachers monitor students and provide differentiation as needed.  Testing begins in late fall with initial screening in early winter. 

This is an ongoing process  and ELP referrals may be made at anytime throughout the school year in grades 3-8.

Services for Identified Students

Elementary School:

Grade 3: Services for identified students and those being monitored for identification include differentiation within the classroom and participation in a  winter literature study group. 

Grades 4-5: Students may participate in a weekly integrated literature and social studies class. This enrichment program is designed to provide stimulating academic challenges, develop writing skills and expand on your child’s understandings of our world. Guided by a syllabus, inquiry leads to independent investigations and collaborative projects.

THMS - Grades 6-8

Transition meetings with parents and students are held at the end of 5th grade to determine the appropriate pathway for individual students in middle school.  Programming may include :

1. Differentiation within the regular ELA classrooms

2. Opportunity to join other peers once a week to discuss  a shared book exploring relevant themes, make connections to current events and strengthen a sense of role in the global community.

ELP ELA  students are encouraged to participate in ongoing school and community opportunities such as local  and state essay and poetry contests. For example: Belfast Library poetry contest and the Patriot's Pen, and  theater opportunities through one of the local performing companies such  as the Belfast Maskers, The Playhouse Children's Theater Company, and Cold Comfort Theater.

BAHS: Grades 9-12

8th grade transition meetings with students and parents are held to determine appropriate courses students should take to meet their post high school goals.  Course titles and course descriptions are listed on BAHS website.

In addition to BAHS classes, online courses through various universities beyond BAHS course offerings. ELP staff are available for consultation.