Overview:

MSAD #60 EXCEL provides among the most comprehensive Gifted and Talented services in the state of Maine.  Addressing the needs of students in both academics and the arts, it supports students in kindergarten through grade 12 through challenging and rigorous material in the academic areas, support for the social/emotional needs of advanced learners, and specialized classes with professionals to students whose gifts lie in the arts

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Academic Programming:

At the primary level, EXCEL teachers consult with regular classroom teachers, may see students for short-term enrichment or extension classes, and may work individually with students when needs dictate.  A small number of these students will be formally identified, typically at grade three.  At this point, services may expand to include regular small-group instruction, independent studies or other projects in addition to classroom support.  As students progress through the Middle School, they may have regular classes with the EXCEL teacher in the area of mathematics or language arts, may be placed in accelerated math classes, and experience well regarded, competitive, programs in the areas of social studies and science, with many students participating in STEM offerings through our Robotics program.  Once reaching high school, students meet regularly with EXCEL staff, are kept apprised of advanced opportunities, and may take specialized EXCEL classes, alongside AP and Honors options.  Throughout the district, K-12, EXCEL teachers work with and support classroom teachers in supporting our EXCEL students

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Arts Programming:

Once identified as being gifted in one of the areas in the arts, students experience classes or other extension activities during the year.  Classes or workshops are held with practicing professionals in the field in which the students are identified, and include Art, Music (voice and individual instruments), Creative Writing and Theater.

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Identification

Some of the students seen through the EXCEL program will be formally identified as being Gifted and Talented in accordance with State of Maine requirements, which govern our programming.  The Department of Education defines gifted students as comprising 5% of the school population in academic areas and another 5% in the arts.  Initial formal academic identification takes place in grade 3, with an annual review of students to determine if additional students should be included in the EXCEL program. In the Arts, identification is done through portfolios, auditions and recommendations, and takes place at the upper elementary level and middle school level.