Archdiocese Elementary Education Common Core
Curriculum
Holy Family Regional Catholic School follows the prescribed Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade curriculum developed by the Curriculum Committees of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All curriculum guidelines can be found at www.catholicschools-phl.org.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Common Core Standards
Our Catholic schools are both centers of evangelization that proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and centers of academic excellence that rigorously prepare students to be life-long learners, leaders, and contributing members of the global community. Our archdiocese, through the Office of Catholic Education, is responsible for selecting the instructional materials and educational strategies that uphold these goals and benefit the students in our care.
Pennsylvania and other states are now implementing a voluntary initiative called the "Common Core State Standards," developed by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Catholic schools are exempt from any requirements to implement the standards; however, they are at liberty to adapt what they like from Common Core and infuse it with Catholic values, Scripture, Church teaching and other elements of our Catholic identity. The Catholic Schools Standards Project known as the Common Core Catholic Identity Initiative (CCCII) is developing resources and guidelines to assist dioceses and Catholic schools to do this. Many Catholic schools in Pennsylvania and across the country are taking advantage of these new tools that have been adapted and personalized for Catholic education.
HONORS MATHEMATICS
The Elementary Honors Mathematics Program is designed to meet the needs of students who are capable of completing the regular mathematics curriculum in seven rather than 8 years. Students eligible for participation in this program are identified at the end of Grade 4 and begin formal instruction in Grade 5. Students who remain in the program are expected to complete an Algebra 1 course in Grade 8. The criteria, as defined by the Office of Catholic Education, for participation / continued participation in the Honors mathematics Program are as follows:
- Cognitive Skills Quotient falling in the range of 125 in the Terra Nova Test
- Standardized test scores in Mathematics of 90% or above
- Standardized test score in reading Comprehension of 80% or above
- End of year test grade of 85 or above
- The teacher periodically evaluates the students to determine continued participation in this program.
SCIENCE
Our Science curriculum is based on the standards set by the Lab Learner Science Program with the approval of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. LabLearner is a 100% research-based, hands-on system of PreK-8 science education that includes a fully equipped in-school laboratory, complete curriculum including all assessments, on-line parent and teacher resources, and teacher professional development. Developed by Cognitive Learning Systems (CLS) in conjunction with practicing scientists and educators, LabLearner incorporates the latest in brain research and classroom practice into a program that teaches students science in a way they can truly understand and enjoy. Students in the LabLearner Program engage in hands-on experiments performed in a laboratory setting as well as in lessons integrated into their classroom. Experiments and classroom lessons use metacognitive tools that prompt students to use numerous learning and thinking strategies. Information about the Learning Cells presented in this program can be accessed on the Lab Learner website.
