STUDENT ADVOCACY SERVICES

ESL

All incoming students are screened for possible ESL placement based on the home language survey. Whenever a language other than English is spoken in the home, the ESL screener is administered to those children. This assessment tool evaluates English language proficiency in all four language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students who do not attain the required composite score are then eligible for ESL support if parents sign the consent form. ESL services are varied and range from support within the classroom setting, to a combination of classroom and individual support, or individual and small group instruction within the ESL room as needed. The time and duration of ESL support is based on the English proficiency level of each student as indicated first by the screener, and then followed by measured success within the classroom. In addition, all identified ESL students must take the annual English language proficiency standardized test (ACCESS) and score at the competent level in each of the four language domains to meet the program exit requirements

GATES

Gifted and Talented Education Services (GATES) is designed to plan academically for two to five percent of our students identified as gifted students. Identification is an annual process conducted for all students.

GATES delivery model may include:

• monitoring in the classroom
• consultation with classroom teacher
• enrichment
• pullout

Guidance

The Wentworth Intermediate School guidance program is based on the Maine Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model (MCSCPM). The goal of this program is to promote and enhance student achievement through three interrelated areas of student development: academic, career, and personal/social. Wentworth guidance counselors work to support and maximize each student’s ability to learn as well as provide a foundation for personal and social growth as they progress through school.

Belief Statements

• We believe schools and families are partners in the education of children.
• We believe learning is a life-long process.
• We believe each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own choices, including words, actions, and learning.
• We believe in a guidance curriculum that stresses content and methods to promote personal growth, cooperation, tolerance, problem solving, adaptability, decision making, and effective communication.

Guidance Program Functions

• Student registration, orientation and transition
• Consultation with teachers and parents
• Guidance lessons for classroom
• Individual short term counseling
• Small group counseling
• Crisis intervention
• Planning and oversight of standardized testing

Health Services

A nurse is available to students and staff for health consultations. The primary responsibility of the health services staff is to administer emergency first aid, and implement individual health plans. If your child requires medication to be taken during school hours, including cough drops and other nonprescription medications, written permission and written instructions from the child’s physician must accompany the medication. Medication must be sent in original container and be labeled with the name of the drug, the dosage and the time it is to be given. All medications must be kept in the office to be self-administered under the supervision of the office personnel or the school nurse.

Literacy Support

The Title I program provides services as part of a federal program for children who are having difficulty with reading. The students are provided small group instruction as a supplement to their regular classroom reading program. Qualifying students will be notified annually.

Math Support

The Math Support Team offers assistance to students qualifying for supplemental instruction at the remedial level with focus on the youngest population. Student qualification is an annual process.

Multi Disciplinary Team

Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) is composed of a social worker, guidance counselor, special education consulting teacher, nurse and administrator. MDT addresses the challenges and concerns, which my impact students academically, socially and/or emotionally. Social workers meet with students individually and in groups to promote self-esteem and positive interaction as well as the climate of the school as a whole. Guidance offers preventive services relating to personal development, developing friendships and stress management in addition to the management of testing services. The clinic offers health care, which includes monitoring student health, screening third and fifth graders for hearing and vision and health education.

Response to Intervention

Response to Intervention is a systemic approach to helping students achieve. RTI is a process of intense, personalized instruction implemented for at risk students who demonstrate academic or behavior concerns. RTI is required before s student can be referred to Special Services for specialized instruction.

Special Education

The Scarborough School System recognizes the importance of identifying students with exceptional abilities or disabilities and then providing appropriate educational programs for them. If a parent thinks his/her child has a need in this area, s/he needs to contact the teacher or building administrator.

In 1975 the United State Government, acknowledging the importance of educating exceptional children, mandated for them a “free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.” This mandate is known as Public Law 94-142, and carries with it legal protection for children and parents. The State of Maine and other states also have a body of law and legislation that reinforce and implement the federal law. This body of state law flowing from the federal law is available upon request.

Student of Concern

The Student of Concern (SOC) Team consists of a lead teacher, classroom teachers and other school personnel who are assigned to your child’s team. The team assists teachers in developing instructional and/or behavioral interventions to help students experience greater success in the school setting. SOC serves as a resource for teachers.