Course of Study and Educational Materials

INST 2.2

All archdiocesan elementary schools shall develop a daily schedule by grade level that is consistent with the minimum requirements of instructional minutes and educational materials.

Purpose:

• To support the Archdiocesan Curriculum Standards and Catholic teachings, ensuring a comprehensive and faith-based education.

Commentary/Procedural Points:

• Instructional Minutes : Schools are required  to be in session for a minimum of 6.5 hours per day.  Minutes can be met on a daily or weekly basis.  Homeroom is non-instructional time unless a teacher is conducting instruction.

• Core Subjects:

  • Religion:  Daily religious instruction integrating Catholic teachings and values.  Instructional minutes for religion may include time spent in liturgy that occurs within the school day.

  • Language Arts:  Comprehensive instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Schools must allocate sufficient time to cover all aspects of language arts.

  • Mathematics:  Sequential math instruction building foundational skills and critical thinking.  Schools must ensure adequate time for practice and mastery of mathematical concepts.

  • Science:  Inquiry-based science education fostering curiosity and understanding of the natural world.  Instructional minutes must allow for hands-on experiments and exploration.

  • Social Studies:  Education in history, geography, civics, and culture, emphasizing Catholic social teachings.  Schools must provide time for discussions and projects that deepen understanding of social studies topics.

• Specials:

  • Physical Education:  Regular physical activity promoting health and wellness.  Schools must allocate time for physical education classes that encourage active participation.

  • Fine Arts:  Instruction in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts encouraging creativity and expression.  Schools must provide time for students to engage in various fine arts activities.

  • Library/Media/Technology:  Access to library resources and technology supporting research and digital literacy.  Schools must ensure students have time to utilize these resources effectively.

  • World Languages:  Comprehensive, sequential world language program beginning no later than the middle learning years.  Schools must allocate time for language instruction that builds proficiency.

• Educational Materials:  All educational materials must align with Catholic teachings and curriculum standards.  Schools shall use a variety of educational materials to support instruction, including textbooks, workbooks, digital resources, visual aids, manipulatives, and supplementary materials.  The Department of Catholic Schools will provide guidance on textbook selection and recommendations for supplementary materials within the curriculum.

Alignment with Archdiocesan Curriculum and State Standards:

• Archdiocesan Curriculum:  All schools must adhere to the Archdiocese of Baltimore's curriculum, which is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with Catholic teaching.  Catholic identity and values are integrated throughout all subjects.

• State Standards:  The Archdiocese of Baltimore's curriculum aligns with state standards to ensure that students receive a high-quality, competitive, and comprehensive education.  This alignment helps maintain academic excellence and prepares students for future educational and career opportunities.

Special Area Classes:  The content of special area classes (e.g., Physical Education, Fine Arts, Library/Media/Technology, World Languages) may vary based on the needs and resources of each school.  Schools have the flexibility to adapt these classes to best serve their students while adhering to the overall instructional minutes requirements. **Specials that meet 3 or more times per week are eligible to receive letter grades. Specials meeting less than 3 times per week should use the conduct/achievement scale. 

Minimum Instructional Minutes:  Schools are required to meet the minimum instructional minutes specified in the charts for each subject.  These minimums are essential to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that meets the Archdiocesan Curriculum Standards and state requirements.  Schools may not go below these required minutes.  Grades 3-5 may opt to adopt the middle school minute structure with approval from their Associate Superintendent.

Alignment with Catholic Teaching:

Faith Formation:  The curriculum emphasizes the development of a strong Catholic identity, encouraging students to form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  This includes regular participation in sacraments, prayer, and religious instruction.

Holistic Education:  The Archdiocese of Baltimore aims to educate the whole child - mind, body, and soul.  This approach integrates rigorous academic standards with spiritual and moral development, ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared for future challenges.

Community Engagement:  Schools in the Archdiocese foster a sense of community and service.  Students are encouraged to participate in community service projects and social justice initiatives, reflecting the Catholic teaching on human dignity and solidarity.

Academic Excellence:  The curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the standards set by the Maryland State Department of Education while integrating Catholic values.  The NCEA promotes academic excellence and faith-based education, which is reflected in the archdiocese's approach.

Service and Compassion:  Students are taught to live out their faith through acts of service and compassion.  This principle aligns with the Gospel's call to love and serve others and is a key component of the archdiocese's educational philosophy.

May 2025