B1

=Category B: Curriculum and Instruction= toc

B1

 * To What Extent does the school provide a challenging, comprehensive and relevant curriculum for each student that fulfills the school’s philosophy and mission, strengthens Catholic identity and results in student achievement of the expected schoolwide learning results through successful completion of any course of study offered?

ANSWER: Moreau provides a challenging, comprehensive and relevant curriculum through its diverse course offerings, including a rigorous AP and Honors curriculum, that fulfills the school’s philosophy and mission, strengthens Catholic identity and results in student achievement of the expected school-wide learning results.

Areas of growth include greater attention to the learning environment; this includes: reduced class sizes; effective use of collaboration; practical, consistent, and transparent use of ESLRs across the departments; effective use of student portfolios to assess student growth; school-wide continued development of service learning; and more cross curricular alignment. Furthermore, increased effort to develop alumni relationships would be helpful in order to assess effectiveness of instruction.

Suggested Areas to Analyze:
> accessible to all students, given legal parameters
 * the priority of religious instruction and formation
 * the degree of consideration by the school to citations and indications of current educational research and thinking related to the various subject areas and curricular programs in order to maintain a viable, meaningful instructional program for students (e.g., state and national standards, curriculum associations, affiliated educational associations)
 * the degree of consideration by the school of national/community/student issues and needs in the modification of the curricular program
 * the written competencies for each subject area and level
 * minutes of meetings where curricular issues are discussed
 * evidence that expected schoolwide learning results have been used as the basis for development of: curricular goals, teaching processes, evaluation of learning, instructional competencies
 * articulation processes among and between levels and other schools/programs
 * evidence of student work and engagement in learning that demonstrate the implementation of the curricular goals including effective communications, critical thinking, problem solving and application of concepts and skills in realistic situations
 * the procedures used for curriculum development, evaluation and revisions
 * policies regarding course completion, certification, credits, grades, homework, etc. that guide student progression through the program
 * the integration of religious truths and values across the curriculum
 * evidence of a challenging, coherent, and integrated curriculum
 * evidence that the curriculum builds a continuum of learning that makes sense for all students
 * class schedules
 * class enrollment lists
 * the assessment processes used by the professional staff to measure the expected schoolwide learning results
 * student follow-up studies that provide insight to the effectiveness of the instruction in the preparation of students for pursuing further education, entering the work force, or meeting their personal goals
 * degree to which the curriculum strengthens Catholic identity
 * relevant service projects are an essential part of the curriculum
 * how faculty and students are challenged to address contemporary issues from a Gospel perspective and from the documents which form the Church’s social teaching
 * degree to which inservice opportunities are provided to update faculty regarding Church teaching
 * additional evidence

Guiding Questions Requirements: 2 full years of required religion class (+3 more semesters) 4 full years English 2 required and 3 suggested years of foreign language 3 full years of Science (2 years of lab science) 3 full years of Math 1 full year of art 2 full years of PE 3 full years of History 1 semester technology/media arts


 * Areas of Strength || Evidence || Areas of Growth || Evidence ||  ||
 * * includes a diversity of course offerings
 * includes many elective choices
 * includes variety of AP and Honors classes
 * accommodates students with learning differences
 * provides a variety of opportunities for religious growth inside and outside of the classroom
 *  provides teachers with many opportunities for professional growth
 * aligns curriculum with state standards
 * designed curriculum with ESLRs in mind
 * provides a variety of assessment practices in order to assess all ESLRs || * UC approved courses
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Course catalogue
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enrollments in AP/Honors classes
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">AP scores
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Class schedules
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parent/Community SurveyEvidence from WASC/WCEA Parent Community Survey

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">99% parents, 95% strongly agree / agree that classes are challenging (4) *
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Surveys
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saints and Scholars Program
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two required retreats
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mass
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blessed Moreau Day
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Church History Class
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frosh Theology Curriculum
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Theme of the year (4 pillars)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday morning chapel
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CCS Hours
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I-Search
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Professional development opportunities in each discipline (specific examples … Journalism: Reynolds Institute Seminar, Video Arts: HSJ Convention --yearly, McKenna 4/22-- English: Asilomar
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeting Minutes
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Modern Language and Technology Conference
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visual Arts: NAEA Convention: (National Arts Education Association convention)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Curriculum Maps (for state standards)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Portfolios (English, Modern Language, Frosh Theology, Visual Arts)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Art Production, and Artists statements/critiques
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Curriculum maps, Course Descriptions, Project Descriptions
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Culminating assignments from each discipline to show variety || * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Smaller class sizes in order to differentiate instruction more effectively
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More effective use of portfolios for student reflection
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Implementation of portfolios for some disciplines (online?)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cross-curricular alignment (to identify major assessments)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More effective use of collaboration period
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More explicit and transparent addressing of ESLRs to students (project reflections, etc.)
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create and implement studies for alumni that provide insight to the effectiveness of the instruction in the preparation of students for pursuing further education, entering the work force, or meeting their personal goals
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Expand service learning projects across grade levels || * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Class rosters
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No Math, History (?) portfolio ||

Virtual Evidence Link

 * __NOTES FROM 11/30__**

Group norms:
 * respectful conversation
 * one person speak at a time
 * stay as efficient as possible
 * try to avoid repeating that is not for clarification purposes
 * raise hands to speak if/when needed
 * positive ideas only -- how to improve rather than critique

Reviewing the ESLRs:

1.1 observing the world by thinking critically and creatively (or critically and creatively thinking about the world they observe) 1.2 no comments 1.3 change "learners" to "thinkers"? 1.4 too many lists. maybe change "manage, integrate, and balance" to ONE verb only 1.5 Are dialogue and collaboration implied by fellowship and interdependence? 1.6 take out "setting" 1.7 confused about formatting of this one; content is okay, though 1.8 no comments 1.9 formatting error here, too?
 * INFORMATION**

Suggestion: Maybe include something that discusses the connection between academic disciplines and how this relates to students' view of the world.

2.1 no comments 2.2 no comments 2.3 more specific about types of actions? (inside and outside of the classroom) 2.4 omit "friendships"
 * FORMATION**

Suggestions: Add something representing 21st century skills; include reference to the cyber world?

3.1 include both developing and serving? maybe "developing and maintaining"; perhaps omit "serving" from 3.1 -- could move serving to 3.2 or 3.3 3.2 see above to include serving 3.3 "contributing meaningfully" seems awkward -- a mouthful 3.4 perhaps add physical and spiritual to the type of environment
 * TRANSFORMATION**

B1 Focus Question: Challenging, Comprehensive, and Relevant
 * adding Chinese class
 * extensive STEM course offerings
 * Honors and AP classes
 * Make our Catholic identity more apparent to students in other classes outside of the Theology classes; course evaluations reveal that students do not identify these Catholic elements in all of their classes
 * variety of courses cover the needs of a diverse group of learners
 * technology helps make it relevant
 * balanced Theology curriculum that takes other major religions
 * need to work on gathering evidence to prove this
 * More Honors classes

ACTION PLAN for next meeting: Will discuss method of gathering evidence from each department, discuss B2 question next time

NEXT MEETING: January 4th 8:30-10:30


 * NOTES From 2/4/11 Meeting:**

__Relevant HSSSE Survey data for B1__ How many classes challenge you academically? Why are you bored in class? I am challenged by my classwork. yes/no
 * 2007, 08, 10: Page 3
 * 2007, 08, 10: Page 3
 * Percentage increase from 07-10, Page 1

include component="comments" page="B1" limit="10"