STEM Indicator ST1.6

The interdisciplinary problem-based curriculum includes a focus on real-world applications.

Self-Assessment Rating: 3

Most of the curriculum is mapped and aligned to internationally accepted standards and/or benchmarks. The curriculum integrates learning across all of the STEM disciplines. The curriculum is organized around some interdisciplinary and authentic problem-based learning experiences. The curriculum provides learning experiences for all students that develop cross-cutting competencies (e.g., collaboration) necessary for college and career. The curriculum engages all students in science, technology, engineering and mathematical processes and practices.

ST1.6 Narrative

What were the areas of strength noted in the Self Assessment?

Christian Academy’s curriculum is thorough and complete, including Long Range Plans, Curriculum Guides, and Weekly Lesson Plans which are written, edited, and adjusted by trained and certified teaching faculty who have studied and employ industry best practices, including STEM-specific planning, teaching and assessment practices. Our faculty works with, edits, and clarifies curricula on an annual basis, reviewing and editing each subject in depth on a five-year cycle comparing curriculum objectives with accepted standards and indicators. This process is effective and used to keep curriculum, resources, and teaching practices relevant to 21st century learners and benchmarks.

Our curriculum has been a strength since the inception of the school in 1996, with the mission statement highlighting the major focus of the school, “academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment” to all constituents in a variety of ways. The school, across disciplines, has continually focused on accepted standards-based and experiential lessons along with service learning and authentic real-world applications.

Subjects required in kindergarten through twelfth grades include math, science, English Language arts, social studies, foreign language, biblical studies, and elective classes. Special class offerings include technology (K-12), engineering courses taught in 7th and 8th grades, Music (K-8), Drama (6-8), Physical Education (K-8), Weight Training (9-12) and Spanish (K-12). There are nearly 60 classes currently taught in our high school program, including three Advanced Placement offerings. We have a strong dual-credit program at Christian Academy. Many juniors and seniors have taken the opportunity to enroll in college-credit classes at Horry Georgetown Technical College, and/or any one of several offerings through the VirtualSC online classes. The school takes great care to add courses as fiscally possible, with a focus on increasing the opportunities for Advanced Placement level courses in the next five years. The school has also added two STEM-specific courses to the already wide range of courses, one technology course in Google Applications, and the other in the specific vein of engineering, entitled Introduction to Engineering.

The faculty has worked diligently to include STEM-specific goals and objectives in the cross-curricular design of the documents which guide instruction. Much evidence has been gathered that shows STEM is embedded within each grade level and all curricula in the K-12 program. A STE(A)M lesson plan template has been used to guide lesson planning. In the past few years a STEM-specific observation tool for use of peer observations and administrative observations of lessons and STEM work has also been used. Each year at least two formal Faculty observations and at least one peer observation is completed annually with specific accomplishments noted and suggestions for improvement made to support continuous growth.

What actions are being implemented to sustain the areas of strength?

The school plans to sustain the current academic programs by retaining qualified, committed, and called faculty and staff. Continuing a strong partnership between the school and families is a necessary and important component. A long time strength of Christian Academy, strategic planning for the future of the school by the Board of Trustees and the Head of School is forward-thinking about future development for the school. In the strategic planning process from the years 2013 to 2018, the Board of Trustees discussed and recognized the importance of the growing STEM program and set initial goals. The collaborative efforts and outcomes of the above factors, along with continued analysis and integration of authentic, problem-based, curricular offerings ensures STEM today and in the future at Christian Academy.

Educators at Christian Academy believe in, are committed to, and will work toward enhancing cross-curricular experiences. This will allow students to be introduced to and process real-world curricular applications in the local community, which includes the development of competencies for everyday real life, college, and career readiness.

What were areas in need of improvement? What plans are being made to improve the area of need?

The curriculum will continue to be developed with intentions to align STEM courses and standards.

Artifacts

ST1.6 a) STEM Curriculum

ST1.6 b) Christian Academy Skills & Competencies

ST1.6 c) First Grade Long Range Plans

ST1.6 d) Christian Academy Board Strategic Meeting