Welcome to the Kennebec Intra-District Schools (KIDS) regional school unit (RSU2) web site. The new school unit will be made up of schools in the towns of Dresden, Farmingdale, Hallowell, Monmouth and Richmond.
Questions? Comments? Something Missing? Contact John Armentrout
Distinctions Between Standards-Based and Standards-Referenced
Educational Systems
Developed by Dr. Robert J. Marzano
Standards Based
- System based on defined number of learning levels
- Students advance through the system based on achievement of each level
- Standards are used to guide curriculum and student progress is measured and used to determine advancement
- Students advance through system at their own pace
- Learning is the constant; time is the variable
Standards Referenced
- System based on traditional grade levels
- Students advance through the system at the same pace as other students of the same age
- Students will advance with varying levels of knowledge and skills
- Standards are used to guide curriculum and measure student progress
- Some promotion decisions may be made based on standards
- Time is the constant; learning is the variable
RISC - What is it?
Have you heard teachers and administrators talk about RISC? Here are some facts. The Reinventing School Coalition (RISC) provides information, resources, and professional development for schools interested in moving from a standards-referenced system to a standards-based learner-centered system. Many of our teachers and administrators are very excited about the positive changes seen in the classroom when teachers begin using new instructional strategies. The four tenets of the RISC model of a learner-centered system are shared vision, standards-based education, leadership, and continuous improvement.
Standards-Based System: Ad Hoc Committee
On March 3, 2010, the RSU2 School Board established an Ad Hoc Committee “To assist the RSU communities and staff in successfully achieving a Standards Based Student Centered School System.” This committee consists of parents, teachers, administrators, and some high school students from each community in RSU 2. The first meeting will be March 29th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. We are still seeking another parent representative from Dresden and a parent representative with a student at Hall-Dale Middle School. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Christine Chamberlain, Director of Curriculum, at 622-6351 x 424 for more information. Following is a list of current members of the Ad Hoc Committee.
Marcia Buker Elementary School
KIDS RSU #2 Richmond
by Deborah Soule, Principal
As educators, we must take every opportunity to pause and reflect on where we have focused our energies and what we will continue to emphasize as the school year stretches through spring. Service to others is an important component of our student day. While our primary activities highlight student engagement with the foundational literacy and numeracy standards infused with the newly established 21st Century skills, we also purposefully embed guidance toward characteristics that will teach our children to become more thoughtful, kind, and compassionate people.
RSU #2 Update
Hall-Dale Middle/High School
Submitted by Steve Lavoie, Hall-Dale MS/HS Principal
Apple Distinguished School
Hall-Dale High School has been selected as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2009-2010 school year. The notification from Apple’s Vice President for Education John Couch reads in part, “The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that have become centers of educational excellence and leadership, consistently demonstrating “best practice” qualities of a 21st century learning environment utilizing Apple technology. This year, Hall-Dale High School will join 54 schools Apple is recognizing nationwide and one of four in the state of Maine.” It goes on to say, “In reviewing the great work that is underway at Hall-Dale High School, I was especially impressed by your success in using apple notebook computers to better prepare your students to compete in the 21st century workforce. Your school serves as an example for other schools both locally and nationally.”
Principal Steve Lavoie accepting the award
At the school assembly today February 12, 2010 Apple’s Tara Maker and Doug Snow awarded Hall-Dale High School the Apple Distinguished School award. Hall-Dale High School is very proud to accept the award as it has worked very hard to integrate technology and 21st century skills into the curriculum. This commitment has included a 1:1 laptop program and dedicated technology integration staff (thanks Mrs. Leimbach!) to support staff and classroom curriculum development.
Doug Snow and Tara Maker display the banner that will hang in the halls at Hall-Dale High School.
Apple Distinguished Schools are schools that have ubiquitously integrated Apple products and solutions and have become centers of educational excellence and leadership.
Schools nominated by Apple for designation as an Apple Distinguished School must demonstrate Apple’s highest vision of a successful 21st century learning environment, a strong relationship with Apple, and a willingness to do outreach activities. The specific manifestations of these qualities include:
Hall-Dale High School demonstrates “best practice” qualities of 21st century learning environment:
* Visionary leadership;
* An infrastructure (IT) that supports a learning workflow of “create-distribute-access-collaborate;”
* Engaging teaching and learning methods that capitalize on the qualities of today’s students who are mobile, collaborative and creative;
* One-to-one access to portable computers and/or mobile access devices (iPod) for all teachers and students;
* Evidence of ongoing professional development;
* A systematic approach and ongoing process for evaluation and assessment of results for education improvement and sustainability.
For 2009-10, 53 only schools across the United States were selected as Apple Distinguished Schools, so this is quite an honor.
Congratulations to our administration and staff!
