DOCUMENT RESUME PS 031 605 ED 481 500 Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003-2004: Catholic School TITLE Version, Grade 3. Alberta Learning, Edmonton. INSTITUTION ISSN-1483-1767 ISSN 2003-00-00 PUB DATE 37p.; For the 2002-2003 "Curriculum Handbook for Parents" NOTE Catholic school series, see ED 469 829-839. For the 2003-2004 Catholic school series, see PS 031 602-612. Learning Resources Distributing Centre, 12360-142 Street, AVAILABLE FROM Tel: 780-427-5775; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5L 4X9 ($3.25) . Fax: 780-422-9750; Web site: http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca. For full text: http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/ parents/handbooks/cath3.pdf. Non-Classroom (055) Guides PUB TYPE EDRS Price MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. EDRS PRICE Art Education; *Catholic Schools; *Educational Objectives; DESCRIPTORS *Elementary School Curriculum; *Elementary School Students; Foreign Countries; *Grade 3; Health Education; Mathematics Curriculum; Outcomes of Education; Parent Materials; *Parent Participation; Primary Education; Religious Education; Science Curriculum; Second Language Instruction; Social Studies; Spiritual Development; State Curriculum Guides; Technology Education Alberta IDENTIFIERS ABSTRACT Noting that parents are vital partners in the educational system, this handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 3 curriculum in Catholic schools in Alberta, Canada. Based on the Alberta Learning "Programs of Study: Elementary Schools," the handbook describes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes Catholic school students in Alberta are expected to demonstrate upon completion of the Grade 3 curriculum. Following introductory material that includes information on aboriginal education, supports for learning, and assessment, the handbook's sections are: (1) "English Language "Religious Education"; "Overview of Grade 3"; (3) (2) "Social Studies"; "Science"; "Mathematics"; (7) Arts"; (6) (5) (4) "Physical Education"; "Information and Communication Technology"; (9) (8) "Drama"; and (12) "Art and Music"; "Health and Life Skills"; (11) (10) "Languages Other than English." 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. (HTH) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the ori inal document. Rs Curriculum Handbook for Parents 2003-2004 Catholic School Version GRADE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND Office of Educational Research and Improvement DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION BEEN GRANTED BY XCENTER (ERIC) a This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization Atictveut5, Alberta originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. LEARNING TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Points of view or opinions stated in this INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) document do not necessarily represent 1 official OERI position or policy. AVALAI-LC BEST COPY This document, along with most Alberta Learning documents, can be found on the Web site at http://www.learninq.qovab.ca. Parent documents referenced in this handbook, along with most Alberta Learning documents, are available for purchase from: Learning Resources Centre 12360 142 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9 Telephone: 780-427-5775 780-422-9750 Fax: http://www.lrc.learnina.aov.ab.ca Internet: 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: 780-427-2984 Telephone: 780-415-9300 780-415-9306 780-422-0576 Fax: Fax: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: Curriculum Branch Learning Technologies Branch 780-427-2984 Telephone: Telephone: 780-674-5350 780-422-3745 Fax: 780-674-6561 Fax: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: French Language Services Branch Special Programs Branch Telephone: 780-427-2940 Telephone: 780-422-6326 780-422-2039 780-422-1947 Fax: Fax: [email protected] E-mail: E-mail: Spec ial Ed @ learn ina.aov. ab.ca Learner Assessment Branch Telephone: 780-427-0010 780-422-4200 Fax: [email protected] E-mail: ISSN 1483-1767 Copyright © 2003, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Learning. Alberta Learning, 108 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 5E6. Additional copies may be purchased from the 10044 Learning Resources Centre, 12360 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9, telephone 780-427-5775. 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. LiIEST COPY AVAILABLE Curriculum Handbook for Parents 2003-2004 Catholic School Version GRADE 3 This Curriculum Handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 3 curriculum. It includes: selected learning outcomes for each subject area from the provincial curriculum links to the Alberta Learning Web site where more information can be found a feedback form. 4 Table of Contents Message from the Minister of Learning iii Letter from Archbishop Thomas Collins iv Information for Parents Schooling in Alberta Helping Your Child at Home vi School Councils vi School Fees and Fundraising vi Alternative Programs vii Information about Curriculum vii Accessing Information vii viii Curriculum ContentDeciding What Students Should Learn Curriculum DevelopmentWho Is Involved in the Process? viii viii Ensuring Curriculum Is Current Revising Curriculum ix Implementing Curriculum ix Aboriginal Education Personal and Career Development Supports for Learning English as a Second Language xi Special Needs xi Distance and Online Learning xii xiii Assessment xiii Assessing Student Achievement Provincial Achievement Tests xiii Overview of Grade 3 1 Religious Education 2 Required Subject Areas 6 English Language Arts 6 Mathematics 8 Science 9 Social Studies 10 Information and Communication Technology 11 Physical Education 12 Health and Life Skills 14 Art and Music 15 Optional Subject Areas 16 Drama 16 Languages Other than English 16 Feedback Form 21 ii/Grade 3 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003 @Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 5 Message from the Minister of Learning Excellence in education is of primary importance to Albertans. Parents, students, teachers and community members have demonstrated their passion for maintaining our outstanding education system for the benefit of today's students and future generations. The Government of Alberta is committed to continuing to provide Alberta's students with a first-class education. One of the many ways of ensuring Alberta's students succeed in our global community is through our high quality curriculum. Alberta's curriculum is innovative and responsive to the learning needs of students. It ensures that students have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be self-reliant, responsible, caring and contributing members of society. As a parent, you play a vital role in the education of your child. When you know what your child is learning in school, you are able to reinforce that learning at home. In order to help support parents in this process, Alberta Learning has published the Curriculum Handbook for Parents series. As partners in education, this resource provides you with valuable information about the learning goals that have been set for students. I encourage you to discuss the contents of the Curriculum Handbook for Parents with your child's teacher, who can provide further information and guidance. It is vital that all partners in educationincluding parents, teachers, principals, superintendents, trustees and other members of our communitywork collaboratively to ensure we continually meet the needs of students in our ever-changing world. Together, we can continue to ensure that every student has a solid foundation from which to learn, grow and succeed. Dr. Lyle Oberg Minister of Learning Grade 3 /iii Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003 ©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 approved by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. It reflects the essential character of Catholic schools as communities of learning. ebki..9 Thomas Collins Archbishop of Edmonton President, Alberta Conference of Catholic Bishops Tel.: (780) 469-1010 101 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6A OL1 8421 Fax: (780) 465-3003 iv/Grade 3 7Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003 @Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Information for Students learn in a variety of environmentsin their homes, schools and communities. Parents, teachers and community members form a Parents partnership to assist this learning. When parents know what children are studying at school, they can Web site links for further information provide better home support for their children's learning. The are provided throughout the handbook. Curriculum Handbooks for Parents have been designed to assist parents in participating in their child's education by fostering an understanding of what students learn at each grade level. Schooling in Schools provide students with a broad educational program that helps them: 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. 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 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. 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. Alberta Learning 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 Learning indicates that the resources meet high standards and can help students achieve the learning outcomes. Teachers can choose other resources, as long as they follow school board policy. http://www.lrc.leaming.gov.ab.ca Authorized resources are available for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC). Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003 Grade 3 / V @Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Helping Your Here are some important pointers for you to help your child learn. Be positive and encouraging in your approach to learning. Child at Home 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, not just concerns. The following resources may help you. Check your child's school for availability. The Parent AdvantageTips and strategies for helping with homework in grades 1 through 9. Working Together in Mathematics EducationWays parents can http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/parents support student learning in mathematics. /mathprbk.pdf LearnAlberta.ca Web siteOnline multimedia learning resources http://www.leamalberta.ca that directly relate to the Alberta programs of study. TELUS 2Learn Web siteAn educationbusiness partnership that http://www.2leam.ca/ 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 to support them within their schools. Each school council http://www.ahsca.ab.ca determines its own level of involvement, 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 board or by the school principal in consultation with the school council Fundraising within policy guidelines established by the school board. In September 2000, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) developed and http://www.asba.ab.ca/advisories/poli provided guidelines to school boards to assist boards in establishing cy-fundraising.pdf appropriate local policy. School Fees http://www.asba.ab.ca/advisories/poli A primary objective is to ensure that fees are not being charged for core cy-fees.pdf items. Fees may be charged for 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. Local policies may include a provision to waive fees or extend payment allowances where parents are experiencing financial difficulties. vi/Grade 3 Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 9 Fundraising The guidelines state fundraising should not be done for core items such as textbooks. Some fundraising is appropriate for things like athletics 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 did not contribute. Choice is one of the important principles Alberta's education system is Alternative built on. When it comes to selecting a school, parents and students can Programs 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 programsincluding virtual schools. Parents can also opt to home school their children. Alberta has one of the best education systems in the world. One of the Information many reasons is a centralized, high quality curriculum that outlines what students are expected to learn and be able to do, in all subjects and about grades. Alberta's curriculum is designed to help students achieve their individual potential and create a positive future for themselves, their Curriculum families and their communities. Parents can access information about the curriculum and learning Accessing resources in a number of ways: Information Contact teachers or school administrators. Curriculum Handbooks contain selected outcomes for each http://www.leamincooy.ab.ca/k 12/c uniculum/parentasP subject area from the Alberta programs of study. They provide a more detailed picture of each year. This Curriculum Handbook is one of a set from Kindergarten to senior high school produced in general and Catholic versions, and in French. They are available on the Alberta Learning Web site or for purchase from the LRC. Curriculum Summaries for each grade level provide a brief http://www.leaming.poy.ab.ca/k 12/c overview of each year. The summaries are available on the Alberta urriculum/parent.asp Learning Web site. In Alberta, the provincial curriculum is organized into Programs of http://www.leaming.goy.ab.ca/k 12/c urriculum/bySubject/ 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 jurisdictions use the Programs of Study to 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 Learning Web site or for purchase from the LRC. The Authorized Resources Database on the Alberta Learning Web http://www.leaming.goy.ab.callrdb site lists Alberta authorized student and teacher resources, most of which are available for purchase from the LRC. The Alberta Learning Web site contains information on learning http://www.leamina.pov.ab.ca from the early years to adulthood. Grade 3 / vii Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2003 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada