Curriculum Guidelines
The primary goal of the program of instruction in the schools of the Archdiocese of Denver is to provide learning experiences which most effectively inculcate worthwhile attitudes and impart the knowledge and skills necessary for the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development of the student.
The Office of Catholic Schools provides courses of study/curriculum guides for mandatory use in all Archdiocesan and Parish Catholic schools.
Curriculum evaluation committees consisting of teachers, principals and/or other curriculum experts are charged with the responsibility of assisting the Associate Superintendent in reviewing, revising and developing implementation for individual subject areas of the curriculum. Changes to curriculum areas are made according to a set subject rotation, as determined by the Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Staff Development with the approval of the Superintendent.
A. Preschool Course of Instruction
- The basic program in preschool includes: religion, language, mathematics, personal-social development, social studies, media-art, music, science, and sensory-motor development.
- The basic program in pre-kindergarten includes: religion, communication and language arts, mathematics, self, family and community, science, art, physical education, music and rhythm and technology.
- The underlying instructional strategy in preschool and pre-kindergarten is the use of organized and free-play activities that are intended to provide opportunities for the child to interact, explore and relate successfully in his/her environment.
B. Elementary School Course of Instruction
- The basic program in kindergarten through grade three shall include religion, language arts, mathematics, music, art, and physical education. Concepts of social studies, science, health, and safety should be incorporated into the basic program. Use of technology should be integrated into the instructional program. Inclusion of foreign language is recommended but optional.
- The basic program in grades four through eight shall include religion, mathematics, language arts, social studies, science, fine arts, physical education, health, and safety. Use of technology should be integrated into the instructional program. Inclusion of foreign language is recommended but optional.
C. High School Course of Instruction
- Archdiocesan high schools shall offer a broad based program of liberal arts studies.
- Curriculum offerings and content are to be continuously reviewed by the principal and responsible department within that school. Reports are made to the Office of Catholic Schools as requested by the Superintendent.
- Special attention should be given to the coordination of curriculum and articulation of student performance expectations between high schools and elementary schools.
- All students are required to have no fewer than 27 credits (units) for graduation from secondary schools.
- A general norm shall be:
Religion/Theology
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Technology
Fine Arts
Physical Education
Electives Minimum4 Credits
4-5 Credits
3 Credits
3.5 Credits
3-3.5 Credits
2 Credits
1 Credit
1 Credit
1 Credit
2 Credits
- Additional credits may be required of students in the Honors Program by local school policy.
Curriculum Information
Early Childhood - Published in 2003
Health and Physical Education - Published in 2008
Language Arts - Published in 2013
Mathematics - Published in 2010
Media Literacy - Published in 2002
Music - Published in 2010
Religion/Theology - Published in 2012
Science - Published in 2013
Social Studies - Published in 2011
Technology - Published in 2012
Visual Arts - Published in 2009
World (Foreign) Languages - Published in 2012
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||