What is it?How does it support children

and teachers?How can parents help out?

Enrichment and Challenge Support Program - Mission

Statement

The Brookline Public Schools has a commitment to enable all children to reach their full potential.

The Enrichment and Challenge Support Program assists and supports classroom teachers in providing for those students who show a capacity for high levels of academic, intellectual and/or creative achievement.

Overview of How ECS Program Operates in the Schools

Part time Resource Teacher:*works collaboratively with classroom teachers to

help differentiate instruction and develop extension and enrichment opportunities

*works directly with students in whole class, small group or one-on-one extension lessons

*is available to consult with and support parents*consults with building principal, guidance counselor, ELL teachers, Learning Center teachers, Math and Literacy specialists, METCO liaisons, etc.*manages challenge/extension resources

Overview of ECS Program…

Classroom Teacher:

* assesses academic, social, intellectual and creative needs of each student* provides differentiated instruction for the varying

needs of all students* consults with ECS resource teacher for ideas and

resources to meet the needs of higher level students* collaborates with other professionals and parents to gain better understanding of student’s needs

Overview of ECS Program…

Guidance Counselors:* consults with resource teachers * acts as resource for parents to ensure continuity in child’s instruction from year-to-year

Principals:* consults with resource teacher to determine specific needs within school* often determines best use for resource teacher

based on those needs

Overview of ECS Program…

ECS Program Coordinator – Mies Boet• Consults with ECS Resource Teachers• Provides system wide support• Consults on grade and subject acceleration

Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning – Jennifer Fischer-Mueller

• Sets system wide priorities• Supports rich learning opportunities for all

Differentiated InstructionTeacher recognizes differences in students’ academic levels

and learning styles

Modifies classroom instruction and activities in order to help all students reach potential

Not individualized instruction, but common practices and adaptations that will positively impact groups of students’ learning

May be subtle: Ask your child’s teacher how s/he differentiated the curriculum

Supports in Grades K and 1

System-Wide:Consultation with

classroom teachers

Unit on Thinking and Questioning co-taught with classroom teacher to whole class

School Specific:Small group or 1:1

support as neededClassroom materials

and curriculum extensions as needed

Supports in Grades 2 and 3

System-Wide:Consultation with

teachers

Unit on Critical and Creative Thinking Skills co-taught with classroom teacher to whole class

School Specific:Small group or 1:1

support as neededClassroom materials

and curriculum extensions as needed

Supports for Grades 4-8

Consultation with teachers

Small group or 1:1 support as needed

Classroom materials and curriculum extensions as needed

A few examples of curriculum extensions: Project M3

Fibonacci Design /Engineering Creative Problem Solvers Pre-Algebra Logic Strategy Games Cinderella Lunch Group Independent Study

How Can Parents Help?Parent Advisory Committee

Serve on committee that meets monthly to discuss ECS program initiatives and services

Act as liaison between schools and ECS program coordinator

After or before school groups Coach:• Math League• Continental Math League• Destination Imagination• Odyssey of the Mind

Further Questions?

Contact:Debbie Mercer, ECS Resource Teacher:

debbie_mercer@brookline.k12.ma.usMies Boet, ECS Program Coordinator:

mies_boet@brookline.k12.ma.us