Extended Academics

Extending Academics (Gifted and Talented)

We currently offer and Extending Academics (EA) program for 4th & 5th grade students. There are three criteria that are used to identify students for the EA program for math and language arts:

- Teacher Recommendation
- NWEA Scores
- OLSAT scores: The OLSAT is a standardized test students’ take in 2nd and 5th grade. It tests students’ cognitive abilities (verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative) that relate to academic success. Students who move into the district after 2nd grade will be administered the OLSAT.
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The school district uses a formula to compile teacher recommendations, NWEA scores, and OLSAT scores, with a greater emphasis placed on the standardized test scores. A small percentage of our students (approx. 3-5%) are identified for EA services in math and language arts. Occasionally we are able to expand the list of students we identify, but we must still adhere to factors outlined in the district policy. Each year there are a large number of students who are referred for EA services but do not qualify. Classroom teachers provide differentiated instruction for these students within the classroom setting. Students can be recommended again at the end of the year. Students receive new NWEA scores each year and retake the OLSAT at the end of 5th grade.

Students are screened for EA identification in the Spring and parents are notified via letter in June.

If you have any questions or require any additional information please feel free to contact Charu Saxena - Extended Academics at (207)284-5081 or the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Julie Smyth, at (207)284-4505 Ext. 29.

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