Curriculum Overview
2012-2013 Supply Lists
Our Lady of Victory’s academic program begins with Pre-K and ends with eighth grade. The curriculum is based on sequential skill development and acquired knowledge in religion, science, mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, music, physical education, art, guidance, library science, Spanish, and computer. The Archdiocese of Atlanta provides a defined set of benchmarks and standards for religion, math, science, social studies, and language arts, as well as enrichment courses, for grades K-8.
Computer technology is taught and integrated into the instructional program. Routinely, academic areas of study are evaluated, updated, and textbooks replaced, as needed. An Archdiocesan Committee consisting of teachers from various Catholic schools, under the guidance of the curriculum coordinator of the Archdiocese conducts the study.
Religion
A basic text, chosen from the recommended list, is used from Pre-K – 8th grade. In addition, the curriculum is enhanced by: school Masses, prayer services, service projects, prayer throughout the day, celebration of specific seasonal functions during Advent and Lent, retreats or days of reflection for students, Catholic Schools’ Week, and other programs.
Sacramental preparation takes place in the second grade for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Students are prepared for these sacraments; however, students receive these sacraments in their own parish, and parents are to follow the guidelines as set forth by their parish priest. A Catholic human development program is taught with a major emphasis on relationships. There are family resource materials for parents to read in the Media Center.
Reading
A basal reading series is used in grades K-4, with homogeneous reading groups formed at each grade level where students are able to advance at their own rate. Reading and math are taught in the morning each day in K-4. Fifth grade is a transitional year in reading and literature. In the middle division (6-8), the shift to literature takes the place of reading and students are introduced to a wide genre of literature.
Language Arts
English, spelling, vocabulary, composition, phonics, and handwriting blend with reading in the Lower Division (PK-5). Grammar, writing, and vocabulary development are separated from literature in the Middle Division (6-8).
Enrichment Writing
Middle Division students meet to further their writing skills during an “enrichment writing class” five days per week for one quarter. This class focuses on the skills and techniques required to conduct research and write an effective term paper.
Mathematics
A hands-on learning approach is used to introduce abstract concepts in grades K-3. Memorization and drills reinforce application of concepts to achieve accuracy and speed. In the Middle Division, students are grouped according to performance and standardized test scores. General math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra are taught. Accelerated math instruction begins in sixth grade and continues through eighth grade. Students may move between accelerated and general math classes based upon teacher recommendation and approval by the principal.
Math Workshop
Sixth and Seventh grade students also participate in “Math Workshop” to reinforce computation skills.
Mathematics – Placement Criteria
Algebra I: Criteria for Program Admission
The following outline is the recommended procedure for evaluating a student for admission into 8th grade Algebra I:
A student should be placed in the Algebra I class if he/she has:
· Achieved a total mathematics score in the 85th percentile in the 7th grade year on the Iowa Assessments. (New students should have achieved an equivalent national percentile on their last achievement or basic skills test.)
· Achieved a minimum score in the 80th percentile in all other mathematic sections of the Iowa Assessments in the 7th grade year. (New students need to be evaluated.)
· Achieved a minimum score of 80 percent on an Algebra Readiness Test at the conclusion of 7th grade.
· Met all other criteria, as recommended by the Archdiocese.
Admittance into 7th grade Pre-Algebra does not ensure admittance into the 8th grade Algebra I class. The math department will make final decisions
Pre-Algebra: Criteria for Program Admission
The following outline is the recommended procedure for evaluating a student for admission into 7th grade Pre-Algebra:
A student should be placed in the Pre-Algebra class if he/she has:
· Achieved a total mathematics score in the 85th percentile in the 6th grade year on the Iowa Assessments. (New students should have achieved an equivalent national percentile on their last achievement or basic skills test.)
· Achieved a minimum score in the 80th percentile in all other mathematic sections of the Iowa Assessments in the 6th grade year. (New students will be evaluated.)
· Achieved a minimum score of 80 percent on a Pre-Algebra Readiness Test at the conclusion of 6th grade.
· Met all other criteria, as recommended by the Archdiocese.
Sixth Grade Honors Math: Criteria for Program Admission
The following outline is the recommended procedure for evaluating a student for admission into 6th grade honors math:
A student should be placed in honors math if he/she has:
· Achieved a total mathematics score in the 85th percentile in the 5th grade year on the Iowa Assessments. (New students should have achieved an equivalent national percentile on their last achievement or basic skills test.)
· Achieved a minimum score in the 80th percentile in all other mathematic sections of the Iowa Assessments in the 5th grade year. (New students will be evaluated.)
· Fifth grade teacher has recommended placement in Sixth Grade Honors Math.
The math department will make final placement decisions.
Science
A basal series surveying general science principles, including health, is used in K-5. In the Middle Division, earth science, life science, and physical science are taught to students in 6th-8th grades, integrated with laboratory experiments. Students are taught laboratory procedures, including prediction of outcomes and writing lab reports. Health is taught in physical education and science in grades K-5 and emphasized in 6th grade.
Social Studies
The social studies series introduces concepts from a two-pronged, multi-cultural approach, history and geography. Sequential content development begins with families, communities, regions, world cultures, and ends with the study of U.S. history and Georgia history and government.
Physical Education
The goal is to engage each student in a variety of developmental activities beginning with fine motor skills and leading to sports participation. This program enhances skill development and physical coordination. All students participate in the program.
Art
The goal is to develop an interest in and appreciation for art through hands-on activities and the use of a variety of mediums. An annual student art exhibit focuses on the creative talent of the students.
Music
Music appreciation, theory, and history are introduced through a sequential program of instruments, singing, and rhythm. Students perform at school functions. Grades 3 and 4 participate in the OLV chorus.
Computer Instruction
Instruction on the use of software and hardware, along with keyboarding, begins in Pre-Kindergarten. Computer skills are taught at least once a week. In the Middle Division, word processing, the Internet, PowerPoint, and graphic arts are incorporated into the computer program.
Spanish
The main goal of the Spanish Program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop language learning and to expose students to the Spanish language and culture. Lower Division classes meet once a week year round. The 5th-8th grade classes meet multiple times weekly for one quarter of the year. In addition, the 7th and 8th grade classes meet once a week for the remaining 3 quarters.
Library Media Center
PK-Second Grades - Weekly class visits include story time and checkout. Students learn about story styles, genres, illustrators, basic research skills, and organization of the library.
Third through Eighth Grades - Literature, research and library skills are taught. Time is reserved for independent research, reading, and group projects.
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