Welcome to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction!
The Office of Curriculum & Instruction is responsible for a broad range of areas:
• K-8 Curriculum Review and Support
• Assessment and Accountability
• Instructional Programs
• Professional Development
• English Language Learners
• Gifted and Talented Education
The Director of Curriculum & Instruction, in collaboration with Saco administrators, provides leadership in coordinating research, development, and support for approximately 200 Saco educators who serve on numerous PK-8 Teams.
ESSA Grant Application
Public Notice 2020 - 2021
Every district is required under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to post the intended use for grant funds for the public to provide comment or ask questions.
Saco Schools’ intended use of funds
Title IA: Supplemental Instructional Services
FY21:Final Allocation: $301,310.43 (decrease of $25,696.57)
FY20:Final Allocation: $327,007 (decrease of $24,475.)
FY19:Final Allocation: $351,482 (decrease of $3,038.)
FY18:Final Allocation: $354,520
Required District Projects Include:
Homeless
Supplemental Instruction for Literacy
Supplemental Instruction for Mathematics
Grant Projects:
Title IA Grant funds will be used to support salaries & benefits of a Title I Teacher and Educational Technicians. These staff members provide supplemental math and literacy support for K-5 students.
Title IIA: Teacher Quality Professional Development
FY21: Final Allocation $128,783.42 (increase of $19,446.42)
FY20: Final Allocation: $109,337 (decrease of $6,635.)
FY19: Final Allocation: $115,972 (increase of $10,141.)
FY18: Final Allocation: $105,831
Grant Projects:
1. Classroom Reduction Project: These funds pay for the salary and benefits of one third grade position at the CK Burns School. This position reduces class size at the third grade level.
2.Thornton Academy and Sweetser have access to Title II and use $9,481.39 for their own professional development needs.
3. Title IIA Teacher Quality Project: These funds support teacher access to NewsELA and the custom-created units of study that support revised social studies standards; this project is also used to strengthen our PLC practices throughout the district.
Title III:Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant students
FY21: Final Allocation $10,560. (increase of $10,560.)
FY20: Preliminary Allocation : $0 (decrease of $10,074.)
FY19: Preliminary Allocation : $10,074. (increase of $10,074.)
FY18: Preliminary Allocation : $0
Projects:
Title III funds are used to support English Learner Teacher and student needs - primarily for improving communication with all families and providing age-appropriate resources for our older students.
Title IV: Student Support & Academic Enrichment
FY21: Final Allocation $33,103.82 (decrease of $407.17)
FY20: Final Allocation : $33,510.99 (increase of $1,567.95)
FY19: Final Allocation : $31,943.04 (increase of $22,087.43)
FY18:Final Allocation : $9,855.61
Projects:
Title IV funds are all being moved into Title IA to support instructional staff salaries and benefits.
Overall Title Funding:
FY21: $473,757.67 (increase of $3,902.68)
FY20: $469,854.99 (decrease of $39,616.05)
FY19: $509,471.04 (increase of $39,264.43)
FY18: $470,206.61
If you have any comments or questions about these funds, please fill out this form. Comments and Suggestions will be taken until October 14, 2020.
State Testing Results Webinar
The state assessment team has created a 30-minute webinar to assist families in understanding the ISRs (Individual Student Reports) that went home in December. The first part details MEA Math, Literacy, and Science. The second part details SAT information for high school parents; and the third part explains the alternative assessment information. The webinar can be found here
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) or No Child Left Behind, Applications and Performance Reports are on file in the Office of the Superintendent and are available for public review. Public comments for the NCLB Application are always welcomed. Please contact the Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Julie Smyth, Saco School Department, 90 Beach Street, Saco, Maine 04072.
Notice To Parents As Required By ESEA (Elementary & Secondary Education Act):
Parents have the right to request the professional qualifications of their child's teacher. Parents interested in accessing the professional qualifications of a teacher should make the request in writing to the Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Julie Smyth, Saco School Department, 90 Beach Street, Saco, Maine 04072.