Chapter 104 Program Philosophy
The Chapter 104 Program for RSU 26 exists to provide services for Academically, Artistically, and Musically Advanced Students in grades K-12.
The Chapter 104 Statute mandates that school districts in Maine screen, select, and provide services for students with exceptional abilities. In Chapter 104, Educational Programs for Gifted and Talented Children, gifted and talented children are defined as 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 achievement above their age peers in the literary, performing, and/or visual arts.
(COPIED FROM MAINE DOE WEBSITE)
Chapter 104 services are based on the premise that these students consistently exceed grade level standards and perform in a way that is qualitatively different than their classmates to the degree that they require extension of the grade level curriculum. The state anticipates that 3-5% of the student population in grade clusters 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 will potentially be identified. (K-2 is informally identified.)
Screening And Identification
Screening and Identification for the Chapter 104 Program takes place in grades 3, 6 and 9 each year based on at least three criteria that include: standardized testing, classroom performance measures, and teacher checklists. Student identification is done by the Chapter 104 Selection Committee through a “blind process” that identifies students in one or more of the four main content areas: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies and in the Visual and Performing Arts.
Programming
Programming: Personal Learning Plans are developed for all identified students. Plans are reviewed annually to assure appropriate placement and level of challenge. Student services are determined during the Learning Plan meeting and may include: differentiated classroom instruction, targeted group instruction, or individualized instruction.
Procedures
Ch. 104 Laws – link to Maine DOE pdf.
Resources
Parent Information – link to Maine DOE website
Contact Info:
Lisa Smith: Special Services Director
Karen Frye: Chapter 104 Coordinator (Grades Pre-K-12)/Teacher (Grades 6-12)
Wendy Pearson: Chapter 104 Teacher (Grades Pre-K-5)