Curriculum Guidelines

The curricula followed by the students in the Elementary Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AOP) are developed by and/or approved by the Secretary of Catholic Elementary Education (OCE). This is done in coordination through the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and related Staff Development for Pre-K through grade 8.

Guidelines for specific curriculum areas are prepared and disseminated through OCE. In teaching the content of any curriculum area, teachers should adhere to the content of the most recent curriculum guidelines, rather than any specific textbook series.

Elementary curriculum guidelines are copyrighted material. Guidelines may not be copied in whole or part, electronically or by any other means.

All questions regarding Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment can be referred to:
Sister Edward Quinn, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Religion | Mathematics & English Language Arts
Science | Social Studies | Early Childhood

SPECIALTY SUBJECTS
Library Skills | Media Arts | Physical Education
World Languages | Fine Arts | Technology

Religion

The Religion Curriculum approved for use in Archdiocesan Elementary Schools is founded in the National Directory for Catechesis from the USCCB. The Office of Catholic Education collaborates with the Office of Catechetical Formation in developing curriculum and assessments for elementary students. The content of the Religion curriculum is found in the Religion Guidelines which are available on the Office of Catholic Education website. It is important to remember that no one text contains sufficient development of content; therefore, it is important that the teacher use a variety of resources in preparing religion lessons.

Religious values should permeate all areas of the curriculum and are key components of interdisciplinary learning at the elementary level.

Elementary Catechetical Series and Texts Approved for Use
in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Mathematics & English Language Arts

The English Language Arts Curriculum (ELA) reflects the Core Standards of the National Council of Teachers of English and the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and influenced by the Catholic Identity Curriculum Initiative.

Instruction in English Language Arts has strong foundations in literacy: reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening and visualizing. Skills are further developed in critical thinking, literary evaluation, methods of research, competency in self-expression and metacognitive awareness.

English Language Arts includes instruction in reading, writing, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, grammar, handwriting and library/reference skills. Integration of language skills across the curriculum is strongly encouraged.

The Elementary Mathematics Curriculum is a carefully planned program, consistent with Pennsylvania standards and Core Standards of the Catholic Identity Curriculum Initiative, as well as the recommendations of the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics.

Emphasis is given to the Core Mathematical practices of problem solving, mathematical reasoning, precision, constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, modeling, using appropriate tools strategically and looking for and making use of structure.

The Elementary Mathematics Curriculum is divided into ten levels of instruction beginning with Kindergarten and extending to an Algebra I Curriculum. With the exception of honors math students, students are heterogeneously grouped for mathematics instruction.

ELA Checklists

Mathematics Checklists

Science

The Elementary Science Curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards which closely aligns the science content with literacy skills and mathematics problem solving. It lays the foundation for interdisciplinary instruction and serves as a catalyst for STREAM initiatives. It includes the development of knowledge, skills, and processes appropriate to the children’s age and grade level. Lab experiences and development of process skills are strongly encouraged at every level.

Science Checklists

Science Evidence Statements

More Science Resources

Social Studies

The Elementary Social Studies Curriculum is based upon the C4 Standards (Civics, College and Career Readiness and Catholic Identity) as well as the ten themes of Social Studies established by the National Council for the Social Studies. The goals of the Social Studies Curriculum include the development of knowledge, skills, values, and social participation appropriate to the children’s age and grade level.

Emphases in the Social Studies curriculum include: culture; time, continuity, and change; people, places, and environments; individual development and identity; individuals, groups, and institutions; power, authority, and governance; production, distribution and consumption; science, technology, and society; global connections; and civic ideals and practices.

Students at every level are asked to commit to memory important patriotic topics, documents and songs.

Early Childhood

SPECIALTY SUBJECTS

Library Skills

Media Arts

Grade 4 | Grade 5 | Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8

Physical Education

Physical Education Guidelines K – 8th Grade

World Languages

Schools are encouraged to include world languages in the elementary curriculum, where feasible. The school administrator must ensure that the program is taught by teachers who are competent in this area. The time allotment for a world language program must be in addition to the required curriculum of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Consultation and collaboration with the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and related Staff Development for PK-8. is recommended when introducing a world language program in a local school.

World Languages Curriculum – Pre-K to Grade 8

Fine Arts

AOP Music Guidelines

Technology

AOP Technology Standards