Philosophy
Realizing M.S.A.D. 54’s philosophy of maximizing each student’s potential, the E.R. Program has the responsibility to ensure that differentiated educational services are provided for students identified as representing the top 3-5% of academically and/or intellectually talented students, including visual art. The educational needs of identified students encompass intellectual, academic, and artistic concerns as well as a broad range of psychological, emotional, and social needs. Inherent within the implementation of differentiated curriculum, the promotion of higher cognitive skills and creative problem solving methodologies should be integral to the education of identified students, aligned with the Common Core. It is extremely important to develop in these students a responsibility toward community, self, school, and others.
Chapter 104: Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Children
SUMMARY: Maine law requires school administrative units to establish educational programs for gifted and talented children by 1991-1992 in the schools of the unit. This rule establishes the gifted and talented education program standards governing each school administrative unit in the state and adopts procedures for ascertaining compliance with all applicable, legal requirements for the establishment, approval, and funding of such programs as authorized by Title 20-A, section 8101, et seq. and section 15603, sub-section 22(c). (Source: Maine Department of Education)
Definition by the Maine Department of Education Gifted and Talented Children:
"Gifted and talented children" shall mean those children in grades K-12 who excel, or have the potential to excel, beyond their age peers, in the regular school program, to the extent that they need and can benefit from programs for the gifted and talented. Gifted and talented children shall receive specialized instruction through these programs if they have exceptional ability, aptitude, skill, or creativity in one or more of the following categories:
- General Intellectual Ability as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in all academic areas
- Specific Academic Aptitude as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in one or more academic area(s)
- Artistic Ability as shown by demonstrated significant achievement or potential for significant accomplishment above their age peers in the literary, performing, and/or visual arts
NOTE: Children with exceptional General Intellectual Ability and/or exceptional Specific Academic Aptitude usually comprise five percent of the school population. Students with exceptional Artistic Ability usually comprise five percent of the school population. Children in the top two percent of the school population may be considered highly gifted.