DOCUMENT RESUME PS 029 452 ED 452 969 Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000-2001: Catholic School TITLE Version, Grade 6. Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton. INSTITUTION ISSN-1483-1732 ISSN 2000-00-00 PUB DATE 40p.; The=Alberta Learning "Curriculum Handbook for Parents" NOTE series is published periodically in new editions, one for each grade/academic level, usually with only slight changes from the prior edition. There are two series, one set for public schools and one set for Catholic schools. For the 1998 Catholic school series, see ED 421 293-404. For the 2000-2001 Catholic school series, see PS 029 446-456. Learning Resources Distributing Centre, 12360-142 Street, AVAILABLE FROM Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5L 4X9; Tel: 780-427-5775; Fax: 780-422-9750; Web site: http://www.lrdc.edc.gov.ab.ca. Handbook may also be found on Web site: http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca. Non-Classroom (055) Guides PUB TYPE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE Art Education; *Catholic Schools; *Educational Objectives; DESCRIPTORS *Elementary School Curriculum; *Elementary School Students; Fine Arts; Foreign Countries; *Grade 6; Health Education; Intermediate Grades; Language Arts; Mathematics Curriculum; Outcomes of Education; Parent Materials; *Parent Participation; Physical Education; Religious Education; Science Curriculum; Second Language Instruction; Social Studies; Technology Education *Alberta IDENTIFIERS ABSTRACT This handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 6 curriculum in Catholic schools in Alberta, Canada. Based on the Alberta Learning "Program of Studies: Elementary Schools," the handbook describes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes Catholic school students in Alberta are expected to demonstrate upon completion of the Grade 6 curriculum. Following introductory material, sections include: "What Is (1) "English Language Arts"; "Religious Education"; Curriculum?"; (4) (3) (2) "Language Arts in Language Programs (Immersion and Bilingual)"; (5) "Information and "Social Studies"; "Science"; "Mathematics"; (8) (7) (6) "Physical Education"; "Health"; Communication Technology"; (11) (10) (9) "Language Programs and Courses Other than English." "Fine Arts"; and (12) Each section includes samples of what students are expected to learn in each subject. The handbook concludes with a one-page questionnaire requesting feedback on the handbook. (KB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Curriculum Handbook Parents for 2000-2001 Catholic School Version GRADE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS CENTER (ERIC) BEEN GRANTED BY )(This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. C. Andrews Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) official OERI position or policy. 1 Alberta LEARNING AVAILABLE BEST COPY 2 .111011111111111 This document, along with most Alberta Learning documents, can be found on the web site at < http: / /www.Iearning.gov.ab.ca >. The parent document titles referenced in this handbook may be purchased from: 12360 142 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9 Telephone: 780-427-5775 780-422-9750 Fax: Internet: <http://www.Irdc.edc.gov.ab.ca> Telephone numbers of branches referred to in this handbook can be reached, toll free, inside Alberta, by dialing 310-0000. Curriculum Branch Telephone: 780-427-2984 780-422-3745 Fax: Email: <[email protected]> French Language Services Branch Telephone: 780-427-2940 780-422-1947 Fax: Email: <[email protected]> Special Programs Branch Telephone: 780-422-6326 780-422-2039 Fax: Learner Assessment Branch Telephone: 780-427-0010 780-422-4200 Fax: Email: <[email protected]> ISSN 1483-1732 Copyright © 2000, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Learning. Alberta Learning, 11160 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K OL2. Additional copies may be purchased from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre, 12360 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9, telephone 780-427-5775; or, from one of the Queen's Printer Bookstores, telephone 780-427-4952, Edmonton; or, telephone 403-297-6251, Calgary. Inside Alberta, dial 310-0000 to be connected toll free. Permission is given by the copyright owner to reproduce this handbook for educational purposes and on a nonprofit basis. BEST COPY AVAILABLE Curriculum Handbook Parents for 2000-2001 Catholic School Version GRADE 6 Table of Contents Message from the Minister of Learning iii Letter from Archbishop Collins iv Introduction to the Grade 6 Handbook Introduction to the Elementary School Curriculum 1 2 What Is Curriculum? 2 Achievement Tests Special Needs 3 English as a Second Language 3 3 Personal and Career Development Religious Education 4 English Language Arts 7 Language Arts in Language Programs (Immersion and Bilingual) 9 Mathematics 10 Science 14 Social Studies 16 Information and Communication Technology 18 Physical Education 20 Health 23 Fine Arts 24 Language Programs and Courses Other Than English 26 Feedback 33 5 ii /Grade 6 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Message from the Minister of Learning Alberta offers more schooling options than ever before. The opportunity for choice reflects our commitment to quality educationthe solid foundation every child needs to learn, grow and succeed. While students are at the centre of the education system, parents are vital partners. Your involvement in your child's education is critical to his or her success. To help your child succeedyou need to know what is being taught. This handbook is developed to provide you with that information. As well, I encourage you to continue working closely with your child's teacher who can provide you with invaluable information and guidance. The Curriculum Handbook for Parents series is your guide to each stage of learning. It is an outline of what we expect our students to know at each grade level of their education. When you know what is expected at school, you can provide the home support your children need. By reading about what they are learning at school and discussing it at home, you are sending a very important message to your childthat you value education. Alberta Learning revises curriculum in the core subject areas every eight to ten years. This ensures that course content remains current and relevant, and meets the needs of students preparing for their futures. Education is a fundamental part of the Alberta Advantage, and government's goal is for Alberta to have the best-educated students in the world. We can accomplish this only one wayby working together. We are all partners in educationparents, teachers, trustees, administrators, community membersand we must work to address issues and help ensure Alberta students acquire the knowledge and skills they need for a successful future. Our children are our future, and our most important investment. Dr. Lyle Oberg M.L.A. Strathmore-Brooks Minister of Learning 6 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Grade 6 /in ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Dear Parents and Guardians: On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Alberta, I welcome this opportunity to affirm you in your role as parents in the education of your children and wish to express my appreciation to the Government of Alberta and Alberta Learning for this 'Curriculum Handbook for Parents'. The Church has always recognized with confidence that you, parents, are the first and primary educators of your children, especially with regards to education in the faith. This is a noble, yet, challenging calling that is rightfully yours. Today, therefore, because of the many diverse pressures and influences on our children, your role is vital in working with our schools to continue to provide the best possible education for our children. To those of you 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 by joining your local school councils or parent groups. Be a strong voice for the Catholic identity of schools. In this regard, you will share in a concrete and invaluable way in the central mission of the 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 Learning for providing parents with this practical Curriculum Handbook. It is a clear presentation of what parents can expect of our Alberta schools, Public and Catholic, and by its very existence also acknowledges how important you are as parents in your children's education. In it, you will find a comprehensive presentation of the content and expectations of the Religious Education Program written and approved by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. It reflects the essential character of Catholic schools as communities of learning where as an old friend wrote, "... God, God's truth and God's life are integrated into the entire syllabus, curriculum and life of the school." * ms Coq %.9 Thomas Collins Archbishop of Edmonton President, Alberta Conference of Catholic Bishops 8421- 101 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6A OLI Tel.: (780) 469-1010 Fax: (780) 465-3003 7 iv /Grade 6 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Introduction to the This handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 6 curriculum Grade 6 Handbook the knowledge, skills and attitudes students in Alberta are expected to demonstrate when they have completed the Grade 6 curriculum. It is based on the Alberta Learning Program of Studies: Elementary Schools. The handbook includes samples of what students are expected to learn in each subject. The complete curriculum for Grade 6 is available in all Alberta elementary schools. 8 Grade 6 / v Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Introduction Alberta Learning specifies what all students are expected to learn and be TO THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM able to do. The curriculum is organized into separate subjects or course areas and is designed to enable teachers to make connections across subjects, and to develop programming that accommodates a range of student needs. We expect that teaching methods and schedules will vary from school to school and from class to class to meet the diverse learning needs of students. 9 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Grade 6 / 1 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Curriculum describes what students are expected to learn. In Alberta, What Is curriculum is developed by Alberta Learning and is described in Curriculum? documents called programs of study for elementary, junior high and senior high schools. The curriculum specifies what all students in the province are expected to learn in each subject area at each grade level. It is developed by Alberta Learning in consultation with teachers, administrators, parents, representatives from post-secondary institutions, and professional and community groups. Within the context of Catholic schools, the curriculum in all of its aspectscontent, the teaching process, and the total school environmentreflect the values of faith, hope, charity, forgiveness and justice as found in the gospels and the message of Jesus Christ as understood by the Catholic Church. Teachers are responsible for using the curriculum to plan their teaching activities and set appropriate levels of challenge according to students' learning needs and abilities. Teachers regularly assess student progress and report to parents, students and school administrators. A document entitled The Parent Advantage provides tips and strategies to assist parents in helping their children at home with their school work. This resource is available for purchase from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre. In Catholic schools, there are many opportunities for integrating gospel values and nurturing the presence of God in our midst within the curriculum. Teachers will determine where religious education and church teaching can be integrated with other subjects. Achievement Tests As well as being assessed by their teachers, students write provincial achievement tests in grades 3, 6 and 9. Grade 3 students write achievement tests in language arts and mathematics. Grades 6 and 9 students write achievement tests in language arts, social studies, mathematics and science. The results of these achievement tests are provided to school boards and schools. Parents may ask for their child's test results at their local school. Information about provincial achievement testing in grades 3, 6 and 9 is provided in an Alberta Learning publication called Parent Guide to Provincial Achievement Testing. Individual guides for Grade 3 and for Grade 6 are available in elementary schools. The Grade 9 guide is available in junior high schools. The publications also may be obtained from Alberta Learning's Learner Assessment Branch. 10 2 /Grade 6 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada