RSU 35 Curriculum
The Function of Education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education
Martin Luther King, Jr Â
  Brainy quote
RSU 35 is committed to reviewing and revising our curriculum on a regular cycle as part of our ongoing pursuit of excellence. During a review year, the targeted area for that year will be examined in terms of student performance data, teacher feedback, resources, attention to equity and diversity, scope and sequence, assessments, structural/time supports and instructional best practices and changes to the required standards. Any changes recommended to the Board of Directors will be based on a thorough analysis of all the factors listed above.
Key Curricular Areas
English Language Arts
English Language Arts expectations are informed by the Maine Learning Results and the Common Core Standards for ELA. English Language Arts is a complex content area that includes attention to the five core areas of reading instruction in the early grades (Reading Comprehension, Phonics, Fluency, Phonemic Awareness, and Vocabulary). In addition to the skills and knowledge associated with learning to read, students must also learn the more complex skills outlined in the ELA standards. ELA instruction includes Literary Analysis, Writing, Speaking and Listening and Language.
At the PK-5 level, literacy instruction is supported by high quality, researched based programs such as LEXIA, Lucy Calkins Units of Study , and Heggerty’s Phonemic Awareness lessons.
At the 6-12 grade level, RSU 35 teachers have developed and continue to revise common units of study and common assessments which provide a consistent foundation for instruction across classrooms.
Mathematics
Beginning in the fall of 2021 all PK-K classrooms adopted and began implementing Bridges Mathematics. Also in the fall of 2021 all Grade 1- Grade 5 classrooms implemented the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum. Grades 6-8 also use Illustrative Mathematics as the foundation for teaching the Maine Learning Results for Mathematics. At the 9-12 grade level, RSU 35 teachers have developed and continue to revise common units of study and common assessments which provide a consistent foundation for instruction across classrooms.This includes teaching all required units and administering all locally developed common assessments.
All Elementary schools provide math intervention services based on the AVMR math recovery model. Marshwood Middle School and High School support struggling students via the MTSS process. They also allow for students to access accelerated math courses as needed.
Science & Social Studies
Content area teachers in Science and Social Studies will teach curriculum aligned to the Maine State Standards for Social Studies and the Next Generation Science Standards.
It is understood and expected that many science and social studies concepts at the elementary level, particularly in grades PK-2, are taught through the strategic use of read alouds and other literacy based experiences. Grade 3-5 classroom teachers utilize FOSS science kits to support science instruction.
At the 6-12 grade level, RSU 35 Social Studies and Science teachers have developed and continue to revise common units of study and common assessments which provide a consistent foundation for instruction across classrooms.
Allied Arts and World Languages
RSU 35 Allied Arts and World Language teachers have developed and continue to revise units of study and assessments which provide a consistent foundation for instruction across classrooms. At all levels teachers must use their creativity and professional judgment to develop meaningful lesson sequences for their classes that allow students to reach proficiency on the stated standards.
Visual and Performing Arts Standards
Social Emotional Learning
RSU 35 believes that social and emotional wellness is a key foundation for academic and life long success and well being. Social Emotional Learning is a cornerstone of the Elementary experience as evidenced by our commitment to Responsive Classroom practices. Additionally our School Counseling staff is committed to providing SEL experiences to all students PK-12. The Maine Department of Education developed a free curriculum, SEL4ME, that provides lessons in support of social emotional learning goals. Additionally RSU 35 has implemented Kimochis SEL curriculum in grades PK-5. Kimochis are being utilized to support tier I, II and III work with students. At the Middle and High School level the advisory program is being augmented and expanded to support more SEL curriculum and support for all students.
Links to Grade-Level Curriculum Maps
These links provide an overview of the curriculum for each elementary grade level.**
**Please note that all pacing is approximate and that units may be taught in a different order for many subjects.
School Counseling PK-5
PK-5 Health- Under Construction
PK-12 Music Scope and Sequence, PK-12 Music Concept Map
PK-12 Art- being reviewed 2023-24
Pre Kindergarten
RSU 35 is proud to offer a universal public PreK program for 4-year-olds.
We offer a half-day program with morning and afternoon sessions.
PreK Curriculum is designed to meet the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards. MELDS
