Curriculum Philosophy - Oklahoma Christian School

1 Curriculum Philosophy Kingdom Education Church, Home and School Coming Together for the Cause of Christ Academics at Oklahoma Christian School are rooted in a God-centered view of life, allowing students to understand themselves and the world around them from a biblical perspective. The Curriculum at Oklahoma Christian School is challenging. Our desire is to produce students who are thinkers, able to leave our School and be change-agents in their chosen profession, all for the glory of God. Though taught from a distinctively Christian perspective, the students at OCS are not sheltered from the worldviews of others.

2 Rather, they are taught the truth of God s Word and understand how to go into the world able to clearly articulate their faith. We believe we are best able to change the world for Christ by producing students who have high academic standards, able to be leaders in their chosen field. Curriculum Philosophy Oklahoma Christian School strives to provide a solid academic foundation centered on a Christ-centered Worldview. We believe in Kingdom Education or the home, church, and School coming together for the educational process. Ecclesiastes reminds us that a three-fold cord is not easily broken.

3 Building an integrative mindset into the next generation is effective when parents, pastors, and teachers are presenting the same message. We believe Curriculum is everything we do , including extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Our mission is to partner with families to produce the next generation of godly leaders. Therefore, we strive to provide a well-rounded graduate, capable of leading in their chosen field of study. The Curriculum is traditional and sequential in scope with a solid content and skill core at the center of five major subject areas: English/language arts, mathematics, science, history, and Bible.

4 These content areas are enriched with co-curricular course offerings in art, foreign language, music, drama, technology, physical education and a well-defined athletics program. We strive to assist every child in discovering their God-given interests and passions. Our Curriculum is reviewed and modified often. Vertical Alignment Teams have been established to formally review and continually monitor the Curriculum . If a concern arises, the matter is reviewed by the departmental alignment team. This team may then choose to make recommendations to the administration. If those suggestions fit with the mission of our School , are financially feasible, will fit within the School schedule and facility limitations, and deemed likely to further the learning of the student, they are usually approved.

5 However, all major Curriculum changes rest with the School administration. Additionally, a system is in place to review academic textbooks and other supporting curricula. (A separate sheet follows, outlining our textbook adoption procedure.) Our Curriculum standards are high. We consistently monitor our Curriculum objectives and determine if they are in alignment with national standards. Any Curriculum change is research based. The teachers of Oklahoma Christian School are continuously reviewing best practices in their primary field of study. We encourage students to be thinkers. While emphasis is placed on rote memorization of key factual information, a greater emphasis is placed on producing a generation of thinkers.

6 The desire of Oklahoma Christian School is to produce scholars who love learning and leave our School with a commitment to be a life-long learner. Emphasis is placed upon research and the analyzing of such research. Students are taught the value of checking the sources of information. Students are also taught how to take data produced by various sources and determine if it aligns to the truth of God s Word. While Oklahoma Christian School produces many students of academic merit, we also clearly provide a place for an average learner to thrive. Additionally, we provide support for students with learning differences.

7 Most students are successfully able to remain at OCS. Our School provides the Discovery Program (NILD) for students who are tested and found to have learning difficulties. Additionally, an Academic Support Lab is provided at the elementary level to help both struggling students and provide academic challenge to those students performing above grade level. The Discovery Director partners with families and teachers to write a 504 Plan (Americans with Disabilities Act). Such plans provide teachers with an individualized instructional plan to better ensure success for all students. The desire of Oklahoma Christian School is to prepare students, not merely for college, but for life.

8 Textbook Adoption All textbooks are reviewed EACH year at the beginning of the second semester. The process begins with the principal entering into a discussion with the team leader for each grade level. Questions are asked: Is your current textbook meeting your needs? Do we have the necessary consistency between grade levels? Are textbooks in proper condition? How many years have we used the same textbook? If, after answering these questions, it is determined that it is in the best interest of the students to select a new publisher, the formal process begins. A committee is assembled for each textbook selection.

9 A chairperson is chosen. The chairperson receives a small stipend for this additional effort. The chairperson: Researches various publishers. Contacts 5-6 publishers to request samples of Curriculum for EACH grade level. Creates a rubric specific to the subject are under consideration. Facilitates the committee process. Each committee member takes their grade level material back to their team for additional feedback. The committee meets regularly to discuss progress. Once the selection has been narrowed down to two or three publishers, representatives from those publishers come to a faculty meeting (one publisher per faculty meeting) to present their materials to the ENTIRE faculty.

10 Enrichment teachers also provide input, as many publishers now include supplemental art projects, songs, body movements, etc. Using feedback from the faculty and information gained from the rubric, the committee makes the final selection. Once a decision has been made, a representative from the textbook publisher meets with the principal and chair of the committee to begin the ordering process. The Philosophy of textbook adoption is to change when we need to change, but not to switch publishers for the sake of switching publishers. If what we are currently using is supporting student learning, is user friendly, and is in good condition, etc.