ACE Program 

What is the ACE Program? 

RSU 13’s ACE Program is an approved state Gifted & Talented program governed by Maine State laws.  The legislature established the need for specialized programs to meet the diverse academic needs of students identified as gifted and talented.  Gifted and talented (GT) children are those students who excel or have the potential to excel beyond their age peers in the regular school program, who need and can benefit from gifted and talented education programming beyond the classroom. They are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior and in our district are identified in the following areas: 

• General or specific intellectual ability

• Specific academic aptitude

• Visual and Performing Arts

RSU13's ACE Program is part of the district's multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) model. This means that students who need support beyond their classroom instruction (Tier 1) receive more intensive supports.  This includes students whose needs may be above grade level, which is the focus of ACE.

What does the ACE Program Provide? 

Students who are identified through our ACE identification process have Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) that target areas where extra support will help them build on strengths. The plan specifies goals and may include differentiated instruction in the classroom, specialized or accelerated instruction by a specialist teacher, and/or access to enrichment programming aligned with their ILP pathway. More information about RSU 13 Programming. 

What is the process for identifying students for the program? 

At the elementary level in RSU 13 we screen all students in Grade 3 to identify those who may benefit from ACE programming in Literacy and/or Math.  Beyond district screening in Grade 3 students may also be nominated for consideration by  parents, teachers, administrators and mentors when they transfer into the district or when evidence indicates a need. Students who may benefit from ACE programming in Art or Music may be identified beginning in Grade 3. These nominations typically come from Art and Music teachers; parents should reach out to these teachers if you feel your student has advanced needs that require more.  For more information about the identification process please visit our Identification Information / Access page. 

How can I support my Advanced Learner at home?

Out of School Enrichment Opportunities for Families  More resources for each grade-span -- elementary, middle, or high school -- can be found on the individual websites, linked at the top of this page.