Ini>ersit\ofAlbertal.ibrarj 'ill 1620 2133 0657 Handbook Curriculum for Parents 2005-2006 Catholic School Version SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LB 1564 C3 A3 C872 ydlbcrra senior 2005/ EDUCATION 2006 CURRGDHT Ex LlBRIS Universitatis Albertensis ion This document, along with most Alberta Education documents, can be found on the Web site at http://www.education.qov.ab.ca Parent documents referenced in this handbook, along with most Alberta Education documents, are available for purchase from: Learning Resources Centre 12360 -142 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9 Telephone: 780-427-2767 Toll free: 310-0000 (inside Alberta) Fax: 780-422-9750 Internet: http://www.lrc.education.qov.ab.ca Telephone numbers of branches referred to in this handbook can be reached, toll free inside Alberta, by dialing 310-0000. Aboriginal Services Branch Learning and Teaching Resources Branch Telephone: 780-415-9300 Telephone: 780-427-2984 Fax: 780-415-9306 Fax: 780-422-0576 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: curhc.contact®edc.gov.ab.ca Curriculum Branch Learning Technologies Branch Telephone: 780-427-2984 Telephone: 780-674-5350 Fax: 780-422-3745 Fax: 780-674-6561 E-mail: curric.contact(a)edc.gov.ab.ca E-mail: ltbgeneral(a)qov.ab.ca • For information about LearnAlberta.ca French Language Services Branch Telephone: 780-415-8528 Telephone: 780-427-2940 Fax: 780-422-9157 Fax: 780-422-1947 E-mail: LeamAlberta.Contact@edc. E-mail: LSB(5)edc.gov.ab.ca gov.ab.ca Learner Assessment Branch Special Programs Branch Telephone: 780-427-0010 Telephone: 780-422-6326 Fax: 780-422-4200 Fax: 780-422-2039 E-mail: assess.contact(a>edc.gov.ab.ca E-mail: SpecialEd(5)edc.gov.ab.ca ISSN 1481-9406 Copyright©2005, the Crown in RightofAlberta, as represented bythe Ministerof Education. Alberta Education, 10044 - 108 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 5E6. Permission is given bythe copyrightownerto reproducethis handbookforeducational purposes and on a nonprofit basis. Curriculum Handbook for Parents 2005-2006 Catholic School Version SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL This Curriculum Handbook provides parents with information about senior high school curriculum. It includes: • selected learning outcomes for each subject area from the provincial curriculum • links to the Alberta Education Web site where more information can be found • information on personal and career development transitions into work and further learning • a feedback form. Table of Contents Message from the Minister of Education iii Letter from Archbishop Thomas Collins iv Information for Parents 1 Introduction 1 Learning in Alberta 1 Helping Your Child at Home 2 School Councils 2 School Fees and Fundraising 2 School Choice 3 Information about Curriculum 3 Accessing Information 3 — Curriculum Content Deciding What Students Should Learn 4 — Curriculum Development Who Is Involved in the Process? 4 Ensuring Curriculum Is Current 5 Revising Curriculum 5 Implementing Curriculum 5 Aboriginal Education 6 Supports for Learning 6 Guidance and Counselling 6 English as a Second Language 6 Special Needs 7 Distance and Online Learning 8 Digital Resources to Support Curriculum Outcomes 8 Integrated Occupational Program 9 Assessment 10 Provincial Diploma Examinations 10 Completing Senior High School 11 Senior High School 15 Overview of Senior High School 15 Religious Education 17 Required Courses/Programs 21 English Language Arts 21 Mathematics 25 Science 31 Social Studies 36 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 39 Career and Life Management (CALM) 40 Physical Education 10 41 Optional Courses/Programs 43 Aboriginal Studies 10-20-30 43 Career and Technology Studies (CTS) 44 Fine Arts 45 Physical Education 20-30 47 Languages Other than English 47 Off-campus Education 54 Locally Developed Courses 55 Transitions from Senior High School into Work and Further Learning 55 Post-secondary Learning 56 Frequently Asked Questions 59 Feedback Form 61 //'/Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2005 ©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada UNfVERSITY LIBRARY UWIVERSJTYnPAiacoT, Messagefrom the Minister of Education As a former teacher, I know first-hand that it takes a community to educate a child and that parents play a vital role on a child's learning team. Helping your children do well in school prepares them for a successful future, both in school and in life. Alberta Education developed the Curriculum Handbook forParents to help you in this regard. This series of handbooks contains information on what your child will learn in the classroom, as well as the education goals set for this school year. Our education system is designed to help students realize their individual potential. As we celebrate our province's Centennial, we can be proud that our basic education system is one ofthe best in the world. Our students continue to achieve outstanding results on both national and international — assessments an achievement made possible through the combined efforts of our students, parents, teachers, and the broader learning community. encourage you to read this handbook closely, and to discuss any questions I you may have with your child's teacher(s). Gene Zwozdesky Minister of Education Deputy Government House Leader Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2005 Senior High ///'/' LAIberta Education, Alberta, Canada Dear Parents and Guardians: On behalfofthe Catholic Bishops ofAlberta, I welcome this opportunity to affirm you in your role as parents in the education ofyour children and wish to express my appreciation to the Government of Alberta and Alberta Education fortheir updated Kindergarten to Grade 12 Curriculum Handbooks for Parents. The Church has always recognized that you, parents, are the first and primary educators oftheir children, especially with regards to education in the faith. Your role as parents is vital in the life ofthe Church, ensuring that the Gospel is truly lived in the context ofyour family and in the life ofour schools and communities. Today, more than ever, your role is vital in working with our schools to continue to provide the best possible education forour children. To those ofyou who have entrusted your children to a Catholic school be assured that it is with great respect for these facts that we support you in your role. I encourage you to work closely with our Catholic schools byjoining your local school councils or parent groups. Assist young men and women, boys and girls, to understand themselves as moral persons living the way ofChrist through the experience and teaching ofthe Catholic Church. Be a strong voice forthe Catholic identity ofschools. In this regard, you will share in a concrete way in the central mission ofthe Church which is to proclaim Jesus and his Gospel in the world today and, in so doing, hand on our faith to our children. I commend Alberta Education for providing these updated Curriculum Handbooks for Parents. They provide a comprehensive presentation ofthe content and expectations ofthe Religious Education Program approved by the Canadian Conference ofCatholic Bishops. They reflect the essential character of Catholic schools as communities oflearning. May their use be a source ofever-greater faith, hope and love in all ofourcommunities throughout Alberta. Sincerely, * Thomas Collins Archbishop ofEdmonton President, Alberta Conference ofCatholic Bishops 8421 - 101 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6A0L1 Tel.: (780)469-1010 Fax: (780)465-3003 iv/Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents. 2005 CAlberta Education. Alberta, Canada — IllfOVlllCltiOH for Students learn in a variety of environments in their homes, schools J ^ aanndd ccoommmmuunniittiieess.. Parents, teachers and community members form a Parents partnership to assist this learning. When parents know what children are studying at school, they can Introduction provide better home support for their children's learning. The Curriculum Handbooks for Parents have been designed to assist Website linksforfurtherinformation parents in participating in their child's education by fostering an are provided throughoutthe handbook. understanding of what students learn at each grade level. Learning in Schools provide students with a broad educational program that helps hem: Alberta develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in a variety of subject areas demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills in problem solving and decision making demonstrate competence in using information technologies know how to learn and work independently and as part of a team develop desirable personal characteristics and the ability to make ethical decisions demonstrate initiative, leadership, flexibility and persistence have the desire and realize the need for lifelong learning. Schools also prepare students to make positive contributions to society through communities, the workplace and/or post-secondary studies. Teachers make a number of decisions when planning for classroom instruction. Within any group of students, there is a range of individual differences. Teachers use the learning outcomes of the provincial curriculum to meet the needs and interests of their students and to make connections across subject areas. They choose resources, equipment and materials to help students achieve the learning outcomes. Teaching methods and schedules vary from school to school and from class to class to meet the diverse learning needs of students. The Catholic Schools ofAlberta offer students the opportunity to receive an education within the context of the Catholic culture. In addition to the Religious Studies curriculum, Catholic values and attitudes permeate every aspect of the school life: all classroom instruction, extracurricular programs and school celebrations. Alberta Education assists teachers by reviewing and selecting the best possible resources, such as textbooks, videotapes and computer software, for all subject areas. Authorization of resources by Alberta Education indicates that the resources meet high standards and can help students achieve the learning outcomes. Teachers can choose other resources, as long as theyfollow school board policy. http://www.lrc.education.qov.ab.ca Authorized resources are available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC). Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2005 Senior High / 1 ©Alberta Education, Alberta, Canada Helping Your Here are some important pointers for you to help your child learn Child at Home Be positive and encouraging in your approach to learning. It will help your child feel confident and enthusiastic about success. Talk to your child about schoolwork, and help with homework when you can. Help your child set realistic goals, and discuss progress in an encouraging way. Connect your child's schoolwork with everyday life, and use these opportunities for problem solving in everyday situations. Keep in touch with teachers about your child's progress, including successes and achievements, notjust concerns. The following resources may help you. Check your child's school for availability. MakeSchool Work forYou is • Make School Work for You: A Resource forJuniorand SeniorHigh availableforpurchasefromthe Students Who Want to Be More Successful Learners - Information Learning Resources Centre (LRC). on knowing yourself, getting organized, making every class count, Orderonlineat http://www.lrc.education.qov.ab.ca test taking, presenting learning, getting along with others and staying motivated. http://www.education.qov.ab.ca/paren • Working Togetherin Mathematics Education - Ways parents can ts/mathprbk.pdf support student learning in mathematics. http://www.learnalberta.ca • LearnAlberta.ca Web site - Online multimedia learning resources that directly relate to the Alberta programs of study. http://www.2learn.ca/ • TELUS 2Learn Web site - An education/business partnership that provides Internet inservice, support and information for Alberta teachers, students and parents. School Councils Schools, parents and communities all play an important role in education. School councils are designed to give parents, students, teachers and other community members meaningful involvement in decisions about policies, programs and services and the allocation of funds. Each school council determines its own level of involvement, http://www.ahsca.ab.ca depending on local needs. Parents can get more information on how to get involved by contacting their local school or the Alberta Home and School Councils' Association (AHSCA). School Fees and Decisions regarding school fees and fundraising are made by the local Fundraising board or by the school principal in consultation with the school council within policy guidelines established by the school board. In September 2000, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) developed and http://www.asba.ab.ca/services for b oards/policv advisories fund.html provided guidelines to school boards to assist boards in establishing appropriate local policy. 2/Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents. 2005 ^Alberta Education. Alberta. Canada School Fees http://www.asba.ab.ca/services for b A primary objective is to ensure that fees are not being charged for core oards/policv advisories fees.html items. The SchoolAct allows for certain fees to be collected for alternative programs, transportation, or supplies and materials provided for the student's personal use or consumption; this may include such things as calculators, locker rentals, student planners and computer diskettes. The fees charged are on a cost recovery basis. The Alberta School Boards Association school fee advisory recognizes that fees should be waived for those who cannot afford them, and that no student should be prohibited from participating. Fundraising Parents are not to fundraise for core items such as textbooks. Some fundraising is appropriate for things like athletic uniforms, field trips, and other extras that staff and parents want for their schools. Participation in fundraising activities should be voluntary. No student should be excluded from an event or program because the parents could not contribute. School Choice is one of the important principles ofAlberta's education system. Choice When it comes to selecting a school, parents and students can choose from a wide range of options. They can select from public schools, Catholic schools, Francophone schools, private schools, and charter schools. They can also access a number of unique and innovative — programs including online schools. Parents can also opt to home school their children. Information Alberta has one of the best education systems in the world. One of the many reasons is a centralized, high quality curriculum that outlines what about students are expected to learn and be able to do, in all subjects and grades. Alberta's curriculum is designed to help students achieve their Curriculum individual potential and create a positive future for themselves, their families and their communities. Accessing Parents can access information about the curriculum and learning resources in a number ofways: Information • Contact teachers or school administrators. http://www.education.qov.ab.ca/k 12/ • Curriculum Handbooks contain selected outcomes for each curriculum/parent.asp subject area from the Alberta programs of study. They provide a more detailed picture of each year. This Curriculum Handbook is one of a setfrom Kindergarten to senior high school produced in general and Catholic versions, and in French. They are available on the Alberta Education Web site or for purchase from the LRC. http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k 12/ • Curriculum Summaries for each grade level provide a brief curriculum/parent.asp overview of each year. The summaries are available on the Alberta Education Web site. Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2005 Senior High /3 LAIberta Education, Alberta, Canada — http://www.education.qov.ab.ca/k 12/ In Alberta, the provincial curriculum is organized into Programs of curriculum/bySubiect/ Study. They contain learning outcomes for each subject area from Kindergarten to Grade 12. They are legal documents that outline why the educational program is offered, what students are expected to learn and the basic principles about how students are to achieve the required knowledge, skills and attitudes. School authorities use the Programs ofStudyto ensure that students meet provincial standards of achievement. However, they have flexibility to decide how to teach the curriculum and the order in which it is taught. They are available on the Alberta Education Web site or for purchase from the LRC. http://www.education.qov.ab.ca/lrdb The Authorized Resources Database on the Alberta Education Web site lists Alberta authorized student and teacher resources, most of which are available for purchase from the LRC. http://www.education.qov.ab.ca The Alberta Education Web site contains information on learning from the early years to adulthood. Curriculum The Alberta curriculum strives to: — Content Deciding reflect the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes that Alberta What Students students need to be well prepared for future learning and the world ofwork Should Learn anticipate and plan for the needs of the future by considering the changes and developments in society such as trends in employment, globalization and advances in technology incorporate values of good citizenship and respect for different languages and cultures — consider students' needs and abilities intellectual, social, — emotional and physical at different ages and stages of growth ensure that each grade provides a foundation of knowledge for successful learning in subsequent years incorporate new discoveries and theories that are generally accepted by experts in subject areas develop skills that are necessaryfor success in learning a subject consider new research on proven teaching methods and how students learn best reflect the most appropriate level at which the skills are to be acquired integrate how the study of a subject contributes to student personal growth and development accommodate learning in different environments consider various ways of delivering a program to students, including new technologies and use of community resources such as distance learning and workplace learning. Curriculum Alberta Education takes a lead role in developing and revising provincial Development curriculum. However, many others, including teachers, principals, Who parents, education experts, post-secondary institutions, elders and Is Involved community members, play a vital role in the process. Input from various in the Process? stakeholders ensures that curriculum continually meets the needs of students and that there are smooth transitions from grade to grade and to post-secondary education and the world of work. 4 /Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2005 tTAIberta Education, Alberta, Canada