After reviewing literacy research and instructional practices, Bangor implemented Hegerty Phonics (grade K-1), UFLI Phonics (grades 2-5), and Fountas & Pinnell, to enhance its K-5 literacy program. Combined, these programs align with Maine’s updated literacy standards and support students’ reading and writing development.

Fountas & Pinnell integrates various literacy skills across different genres, helping students develop reading competencies. Hegerty and UFLI Phonics focus on the connection between the sounds of spoken language (phonemes) and the letters or letter combinations (graphemes) that represent those sounds in written language. These phonics programs teach children how to decode words by understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, which is essential for effective reading and spelling.

The benefits of phonics instruction are numerous. Research shows that phonics helps students develop strong decoding skills, which allow them to read unfamiliar words independently. By recognizing sound-letter patterns, children become more confident and fluent readers. Phonics also supports spelling development, as students learn the rules and patterns that govern word construction. In addition, phonics provides a solid foundation for reading comprehension, as students are able to decode words more efficiently, freeing up cognitive resources to focus on understanding meaning. These skills are crucial for students’ long-term academic success and literacy development.

Fountas & Pinnell includes both nonfiction and fiction materials, fostering foundational reading skills and encouraging critical thinking. Additionally, it recognizes the connection between reading and writing. Students are encouraged to respond analytically to their reading while also developing their skills in informative, narrative, and opinion writing. Explicit writing instruction is provided, and students analyze high-quality writing to improve their own skills.

In grades 4 and 5, gifted and talented students enrolled in accelerated ELA programs access Fountas & Pinnell instruction at a more advanced level. The consistent structure and language of the Fountas & Pinnell program ensure a unified experience for students across Bangor’s K-5 schools. Teachers also benefit from continuous professional development, with specialized training focused on implementing best practices for successful program delivery.

The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) is used to determine students’ instructional and independent reading levels. This K-3 assessment, conducted three times per year, provides teachers with one-on-one insights into each student’s reading progress, supporting Bangor’s commitment to purposeful assessment and effective communication of literacy growth.

The Maine Through Year Assessment, the state's common assessment, measures students’ reading comprehension in grades 4-8.  The Maine Through Year Assessment is aligned with the NWEA. The results inform daily instruction and allow teachers and principals to monitor student growth.

The middle level ELA curriculum exposes students to a variety of reading materials and literacy forms with a progressively complex analysis of literature during the 6-8 experience.  Common Units in ELA (experience for all students) focus thinking and writing on developmentally-appropriate literacy concepts and themes.  Studying various literacy genres, including essays, historical fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and poems, students apply reading strategies to unlock their exploration of the text.  In response to their reading, students receive explicit writing instruction in informative, narrative, and opinion writing.  An annual grammar assessment informs classroom instruction.  Accelerated course options at each grade provide highly motivated and able students with advanced learning experiences in writing, reading, and higher order thinking.

The ELA curriculum at Bangor High School, aligned to state and national standards, includes grade level common assessments where students demonstrate mastery of both local and national standards.  Instruction is designed to address the needs of all students through supported courses that build year to year.  Reading, writing, research, and grammar skills are further developed each year creating a comprehensive exploration of literacy genres and expansion of skills.  Honors and Advanced Placement courses offer engaging instruction for the highly able and motivated students.  A variety of elective course offerings complement the ELA experience.

Mathematics instruction is enhanced with the K-8 adoption of the Pearson/Savvas enVision series, enVision Math. Aligned with the state and national standards, enVision is grounded in research and develops students’ conceptual understanding of math. Lessons move from concrete ideas to abstract representations building a deeper understanding of math concepts which allows students to solve real -world problems.

Instruction targets math fact fluency for all students K-8. Accelerated math classes are offered beginning in grade 4 at both Fairmount and Mary Snow.

Middle school math instruction is enhanced with the enVision Math program providing instructional continuity in grades K-8. For students studying pre-algebra, the Prentice Hall instructional program is used as well. Both Bangor middle schools, JFDS and WSCS, offer Algebra l and Geometry. Accommodations are offered for the highly able math student who displays achievement beyond the traditional levels of acceleration as well as for those students requiring further support.

At Bangor High School, students elect from twenty-six courses including eight Advanced Placement and Honors offerings to satisfy the requirements of four years of math study with proficiency through Algebra II.

For the highly able math student, study extends through linear Algebra, AP Calculus BC, and Multivariable Calculus. Students with demonstrated math skills beyond these offerings receive an appropriate level of acceleration to further extend their study.

Yearly, students compete in math team competitions where BHS has won multiple state championships and where students score among the state’s top mathematicians.