RSU 9 board to hear standards

FARMINGTON — Directors of RSU 9 on Monday will hear details about implementing proficiency-based standards or continuing with traditional grading and assessments.

A new state law allows school districts to choose whether to use the proficiency-based standards or to revert to the traditional system in deciding who is qualified to graduate, according to the Portland Press Herald.

Earning a traditional diploma includes passing five required-content areas. Under proficiency-based standards, students must master eight content areas to earn diplomas. The Legislature is expected to clarify the details.

Incoming sophomores are scheduled to be the first class to graduate with proficiency-based diplomas.

Monday’s meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Forum at Mt. Blue Campus. Public participation will not be allowed during the special meeting. People will have opportunities to give input on proficiency-based education in the coming weeks.

A community forum will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the campus.

“Our goal will be to discuss what we all value in education for our students and to gather input from all stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, and community members),” Meserve said Friday.

A panel including a college admissions representative, high school Principal Monique Poulin, middle school Principal James Black, district Curriculum Coordinator Laura Columbia and Meserve will be available to answer questions.

People are asked to register for the forum so administrators will know how much space is needed. It will begin in the Forum at the high school and if necessary, will move to a larger area. To register, go to www.mtbluersd.org or call the Central Office at 778-6571.

Meserve said she plans to make a recommendation to the school board Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Mt. Blue Campus. If more time is required to analyze the data, a proposal will be made at a following meeting.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net