Curriculum

The pastor and principal at the parish elementary school are responsible for providing the curriculum adopted by the Department of Catholic Schools.  This basic curriculum prescribed for all elementary schools, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through eighth grade, includes the following areas:

·  Religion
·  Math  
·  Reading
·  Language
·  Spelling
·  Handwriting
·  Social Studies
·  Science
·  Health and Safety
·  Art
·  Music
·  Physical Education

The offering of additional instructional programs and services is dependent on the available resources and
needs of each school.


Assessment
Assessment of student learning is a critical component of the educational program, it is ongoing and multifaceted.  To help all students achieve high standards and become self directed, responsible, and faith filled individuals, schools shall assess student learning with standardized and curriculum based forms of assessment.


Standardized Testing
All schools are required to participate in an Archdiocese-wide standardized testing program.  The purpose of the testing is to determine the knowledge and skills gained in the previous year.  The results also help the school to plan or adjust curriculum.  The Archdiocese has adopted the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), which will be administered in October


Retention  
The decision to promote a student to the next grade or to retain him/her in the present grade shall be based upon a consideration of the overall welfare of the student, i.e. made by carefully weighing academic, emotional, and social factors.  In the event that retention is under consideration, the following guidelines shall be applied.