Catholic Identity and Social Teaching
Stephen Murphy, Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
We are using a narrative description in the Cross-Curricular Connections section. We are including this information as we develop the science curriculum.
Before I designed the Diocese of Providence (DOP) unit template, we had developed a walk-through protocol. The checkable items for Catholic Identity and Social Teaching were part of that protocol. So I included the checkable items in the DOP unit template as a way in which teachers could indicate which Catholic values, teachings, references, etc., were integrated into the unit. Having to check items insure that teachers review what should be included in the unit. If there’s something that hadn’t been checked, they can then go back and indicate that aspect of Catholic Identity in the narrative section.
Finding Ways to Integrate Faith in Curriculum Organically
Sally Bartos, Powers Catholic Schools, Diocese of Lansing
We met departmentally to research and brainstorm ways that we could add elements of our faith authentically. I have to admit that at first, many of our teachers struggled, and in particular our Math Department, with ways to organically introduce faith into their classrooms. However, as the process moved along, the math teachers came up with ideas like:
Template Examples for Designing Your Curriculum Map
Spark inspiration for next-level curriculum design with curriculum map examples from schools and districts across the world.
Making Faith Based Mission an Integral Part of Curriculum
Susan Steele, The Madeleine School, Archdiocese of Portland
We use the Catholic Identity section in our maps to reinforce and remind us that all of our curriculum should flow from our faith based mission/philosophy. I think that it is a handy way for teachers to reflect on how this unit of study fits into the “big picture.” Realistically you will find that certain subjects lend themselves to this part of the map (LA, Social Studies, Science, Health, etc.) whereas Math is a bit of a reach when you try to relate Gospel stories to geometry.
It is also very helpful during our accreditation process. We can prove and have evidence that our Catholic Identity is visible and integrated into our curriculum with intentionality.
Creating Religious Education Curriculum
Jenni Woodside, Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School
Our Charism is weaved through all our teaching and learning and when planning we deliberately make the links with our school charism, our Mary values and virtues and we try and make connections with all learning areas.
Each year we have an overarching concept for the year: e.g. 2017 – WONDERING and a concept for each term.
Term 1 – Harmony – balance
Term 2 – Curiosity – connectedness
Term 3 – Innovation – Past, Present, Future
Term 4 – Aroha – love / caring
We have a set Religious Education Curriculum which is taught at different levels so teachers do plan separately for that but connections are made with all curriculum areas. Click here to see the full unit example.
We all know that one way doesn’t fit all and what we have found is that schools work to find the way that meets the needs of their school culture as they examine all the opportunities for faith integration.
If you’re interested in adding similar categories to your school’s template, reach out to our Support team. And if you’re not (yet!) an Atlas client, learn more about the curriculum mapping platform featured in this blog.
