Francestown Elementary School (FES) is committed to a child-centered approach to education. Students are instructed along a continuum known as competencies or progressions, and they are grouped for instruction based on what they can currently do and what they need to learn next. This year, the school consists of a combination kindergarten and grade one class, a grade two class and a combination grade three and grade four class.

FES provides intervention/support through differentiated instruction and intervention periods. FES teachers collaborate with peers to provide Multi- Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in addition to core academic instruction. The special education staff collaborates with other educators, administrators, families and area agencies to meet the individualized educational needs of those children who are identified as eligible for special education. The school helps to identify individual student strengths and needs using formative and summative assessment techniques, observations and interviews. Students who demonstrate mastery of grade level standards are challenged through enrichment activities and instruction in the next appropriate standard to ensure all students achieve at high levels.

Teachers deliver research-based instruction through an instructional framework called a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This instructional and behavioral framework provides each student with the help and support he or she needs to meet grade level expectations outlined in New Hampshire’s College and Career Ready Standards. Students’ learning experiences include a rich mix of whole group instruction, small group instruction, differentiated learning centers, and independent work. During whole group instruction, teachers model key concepts and skills for all students. During small group instruction, teachers target instruction to meet the specific learning needs of each student, guiding students as they practice applying concepts and skills—working with students until they meet the expectations for their grade level.