Diocese of Covington - Religious Education at 402 E. 21st St., Covington, KY 41015 US - High School Curriculum Committee _ Meeting Minutes
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High School Curriculum Committee _ Meeting Minutes |
Diocese of Covington High School Curriculum Committee Minutes Diocese of Covington High School Curriculum Committee Minutes: May 30, 2012 Members Present: Msgr. Cleves, Isaak Isaak, Quinton Jefferson, Angie Poat, Adam Iadipaolo Report - from Msgr. Cleves regarding review of Credo book series by Veritas Publishing. Framework course #2: Who is Jesus Christ? was the only book available for review. It is in alignment with the USCCB Doctrinal Elements for the Curriculum Framework, covering the major points in sequential order. This book did not include the “Challenges” (apologetics) section. A scope and sequence booklet is provided by Veritas for each of the credo series. The series provides both learning outcomes and faith formation outcomes. Each chapter includes sections: “attend and reflect,” “hear the story,” “embrace the vision,” “think it through” and “judge and act”. The pedagogy of the program is summarized as ‘bringing Life to Faith and Faith to Life’. It is based upon Thomas Groome’s shared Christian Praxis approach. The primary intent is that the young people not simply learn about the content but that they learn from it and integrate it into their lives. (p 6 Teacher’s Resource) The teacher edition provides background theological notes and general advice for teachers. It also contains supplementary support and extend activities for each chapter with photocopiable handouts The student text is accessible and relevant to young readers. Report from Msgr. Cleves – Learning Outcomes Outline drafts were presented regarding the learning outcomes for the first four core courses (Freshman and Sophomore year). The outline entails the content that students need to know. Committee members briefly reviewed the outcomes and found them to be very well done and anticipate that they will be very helpful to the committee with the ongoing work of developing the curriculum and to teachers for developing assessment tools. The committee returned to the ongoing discussion that development of the curriculum encompasses more than just thedogma. The curriculum is to include both assessable learning outcomes (which is being completed by Msgr. Cleves)AND faith formation outcomes (which includes prayer and spirituality and the practice of the faith). Future work will need to include ACRE testing and utilization, chastity education/Theology of the Body, possible syllabus development, outreach and involvement of High School Department Chairs and Principals, the Challenge/Apologetics section and the faith formation outcomes, and choice of electives. Action Steps: Msgr. Cleves will complete the learning outcomes for the remaining two core courses for Junior year. (At this time it has not been decided which electives will be chosen for the two remaining semesters.) Committee members will provide supplemental materials to accompany the learning outcomes for the first four courses (such as media resources, projects, articles, etc.) This material is to be emailed to Msgr. Cleves by August 1. Committee members will continue to define and develop faith formation outcomes (so that the elements of worship and prayer, spirituality, service, liturgical tradition and seasons, social justice, vocations, retreats, chastity and safe environment education will be integrated into curriculum). Note: Progress with the faith formation outcomes is not moving as quickly because of the current review of the textbooks and the learning outcome guidelines. This will be the next emphasis of the committee. Bring concrete ideas to the next meeting (or email to Angie by Aug 1 to be compiled into a collective report). Members are to consider and propose ideas for the implementation process. (Email ideas to Angie by Aug 1 to be compiled into a collective report). Next Meeting – August 8 (Weds) 10:00 AM at St. Henry District High School Minutes of January 13, 2012 Members Present: Msgr. Cleves, Isaak Isaak, Quinton Jefferson, Angie Poat Report - from Msgr. Cleves regarding alignment of Semester Didache Series with the USCCB Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework----Report not included in minutes Isaak will obtain copies of USCCB approved text books to review. Msgr. Cleves will review the text for content and alignment with the Framework and report to the committee. Msgr. Cleves will draft an assessable curriculum outline for the first semester course as presented in the Framework. Committee members will continue to research facets of developing an integrated curriculum based upon practical experience and needs of teaching high school students. Next Meeting - Friday, Feb. 24 3:30 PM at St. Henry District High School _________________________________________________________________________________ Members Present: Msgr. Cleves, Isaak Isaak, Quinton Jefferson, Adam Iadipaolo. Angie Poat Topics Discussed & Action Steps · The current Didache Series (hereafter called the old Didache Series) is does not align with the USCCB framework. · Therefore, the next task is to decide which text series best conforms to the framework. · Msgr Cleves is reviewing the new Didache semester courses, looking specifically for gaps (Is the Didache missing content outlined in the framework?) o Semester courses being reviewed: § Semester One: Faith & Revelation (The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture) § Semester Two: Mystery of Redemption (Who is Jesus Christ?) § Semester Five: Sacraments (Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ) § Semester Six: Moral Life (Life in Jesus Christ) · Isaak will contact the publisher of the Didache series to request a scope and sequence outline for the series and ask for guidance as to how the new series aligns with the framework. · Isaak will purchase the missing Didache texts of the core curriculum o Semester Three: The Mystery of Jesus Christ (Paschal Mystery) o Semester Four: Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church · Teachers serving on committee will consider: o A semester consists of 18 weeks. Consider the amount of content outlined in the framework for each semester. (The range is from 5 to 7 major categories per semester). o Explore other approved text series. o Explore the work of other dioceses which have set forth a high school curriculum in alignment with the USCCB framework. Other Items Discussed (w/no immediate action steps recommended yet): · Explore option of on-line books/resources for students and teachers. · Specifically, how do we design the curriculum? · How are elective courses chosen? Will the diocese choose the elective courses or will individual schools have the flexibility to choose (among the options provided by the USCCB)? · How can/will Theology of the Body be incorporated into the curriculum? Can it be one of the electives offered? · What provisions are made for students who transfer from public schools or from other parts of the country and/or those with cultural differences? · Continue to be cognizant of the learning needs and styles of all types of learners, balancing content with the “definite aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” (page one, USCCB framework) o Emphasis is not only in memorizing facts but in synthesis and understanding of the material · Curriculum committee may recommend/produce supplemental guide(s) and resources (based upon the text books chosen) for teachers containing: o Summary of theological concepts o Translate technical/theological language to age appropriate definitions and application o Learning activities and hando
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Other items discussed
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Next Meeting: December 9 at St. Henry District High School Library 3:45 – 5:15 PM.
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