Ensuring young learners build strong proficiency with early literacy skills is one of the most vital missions of K-3 education. Reading, writing, listening and speaking are all critical abilities for our future citizens and require a strong foundation. The MoMEntum K-3 Literacy Pilot is a Maine Department of Education project designed to improve the literacy achievement of students in kindergarten through grade three in schools in which the pilot is being conducted. Teachers in the pilot schools will be engaged in ongoing professional learning, delivered by trained literacy and technology integration specialists, to strengthen literacy instruction, including the use of iPad technology provided by Apple, Inc. The schools participating in the pilot include:
- Limestone Community School in Limestone
- Calais Elementary School in Calais
- Ellsworth Elementary in Ellsworth
- Leroy Smith School in Winterport
- China Primary School in China
- Dirigo Elementary in Peru
- Jefferson Village School in Jefferson
- Saccarappa Elementary School in Westbrook
- Carl J. Lamb School in Springvale
How were schools selected?
Schools were selected based on economic need, defined by free and reduced lunch counts, and literacy achievement. Geographic diversity and equity was assured by selecting one school from each of the nine Maine Superintendent Regions.
Why is the number of schools limited?
As a pilot project, the MoMEntum program is designed to study results of implementation to inform decisions about extending the opportunity to other Maine schools in the future. The resources available to support the project are limited to 9 schools.
How long will the pilot last?
The MoMEntum Pilot Project will run from December 2016 through October 2018.
Are there any costs to schools?
The bulk of the resources MoMEntum Pilot schools will utilize are being supplied at no cost to schools. Most of the professional learning will be delivered directly in pilot schools and embedded during the regular school day. Schools will need to provide time for teachers to participate in professional learning activities. Substitute costs, when needed, will be reimbursed by the Maine Department of Education. It should also be noted that the iPad devices and other associated technology utilized during the MoMEntum Pilot will remain in pilot schools at the end of the project.
Why did the state choose iPad devices?
iPad devices offer unique opportunities, through careful selection and delivery of high-quality and effective learning applications (apps), to personalize learning. In addition, the iPad makes it possible for students to create and share evidence of their learning with teachers and parents in new ways that are being proven to be highly motivating for students and very informative for teachers and parents. Finally, the fact that the iPad allows learners to interact with content, through touch, deepens learning and strengthens retention of that learning.
How will this pilot benefit teachers and students?
To be clear, K-3 students in the pilot schools are the focus of the MoMEntum Project. These learners will be supported by their teachers, who will be engaging in high quality professional learning. Literacy knowledge and best instructional practices will be connected to iPad use in direct support of improved literacy instruction. Each school will be supported by a Maine Department of Education literacy coach as well as by an Apple Professional Learning specialist. Literacy teaching practices and technology will be combined for one purpose — improved literacy achievement by all learners.
Download a .pdf version of the MoMEntum K-3 Literacy Pilot Overview