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Curriculum committee approves literacy‑focused social studies 'plus' course for high school
Summary
RSU 11’s curriculum committee approved a literacy‑focused social studies pathway and a set of new electives for high school, designed to serve students whose reading comprehension is well below grade level; placement will be data‑driven and classes capped at roughly 10–12 students.
The RSU 11 Curriculum Committee voted unanimously Jan. 13 to approve a social studies program change that adds a literacy‑focused support course and several new electives for the high school.
Katie Bishop, team leader for the high‑school social studies department, told the committee the new course is intended for students who “lack the proficient skills needed to really access our grade‑level content,” emphasizing that the course is designed to be a short‑term, data‑driven intervention rather than a permanent placement. Bishop said students would be placed using multiple data points and teacher recommendations, and that the department is targeting small class sizes — about 10 to 12 students — with added instructional support from the district’s ed‑tech staff so students receive more individualized attention.
The plan allows students who meet benchmarks to transition back into on‑grade classes during the year; Bishop said the course uses the same standards as academic sections but moves at a pace intended to build reading, analysis and writing skills until students are ready to rejoin on‑grade instruction. Committee members pressed presenters to avoid creating an accidental default channeling students with IEPs into the course. Staff responded that placement will be transparent, evidence‑based and that IEP status alone would not determine assignment.
Committee members also reviewed a package of new electives proposed by social studies teachers, including a teacher‑proposed elective on infectious disease that staff said previously drew strong student interest. The committee discussed consistent labels across departments (examples discussed included ‘on‑grade,’ ‘plus’ and ‘honors’) to avoid stigmatizing students and to align course sequencing.
A committee member moved to approve the social studies literacy course and associated electives for the 2026–27 school year. Linda seconded the motion and the committee approved it unanimously.
The committee will integrate the approved social studies section into the full Program of Studies at the February review and then forward the consolidated Program of Studies to the full school board, pending finalization of remaining sections.
