“As we strive to position our Catholic schools for greater academic excellence and long term financial stability, strategic planning is an essential tool. While we need to maintain the essence and heart of Catholic education, we must also adopt the best of modern practice and pedagogy, with a spirit of innovation that can help us to best serve the young people entrusted to our care.
One of the major innovations that we have embraced in our educational mission is the use of “personalized blended learning.” Simply put, this model blends traditional classroom instruction with an online diagnostic set of tools that allow teachers to understand the mechanics of how each student learns (personalized approach), allowing the teacher to give direct assistance in those areas that a student may find challenging, all the while allowing the same student to excel in areas that he or she can understand easily.
In the past, traditional classroom instruction tried to engage all students. However, what actually happened was that students who easily mastered the materials being taught got bored and those who could not understand were left behind. Web-based diagnostic programming now allows teachers to know exactly what a student may understand well, what is difficult for the same student and pin points the materials needed to help the student to overcome the difficulties. This innovation has been adopted throughout the country and we are introducing it into our schools with the hope of unlocking the full potential of every student. An image comes to mind that can simply explain this innovation. If we are driving on a highway and we encounter potholes, our travel is slowed and difficult. If the potholes are filled, then we can travel as fast as the law allows. So too with education, for if the individual challenges or difficulties experienced by students are likened to potholes, then the more we can see them and “fill them in” for each student, the faster he or she can learn.
Change is never easy. We live in a world where change occurs at a faster and faster rate. True innovation in Catholic education does not make change for change sake but does so for the good of the students entrusted to our care.”
-Bishop Frank J. Caggiano
Developing Learners
Your students are guided by teachers to gradually assume responsibility for their own learning and development. Teachers work individually with your child to identify, document, and develop their strengths as learners and children of God. Students meet with teachers to set and track progress towards achieving their own personal and learning goals, increasing their capacity for independent and self-guided learning over time.
Flexible Learning Environment
Students learn through multiple instructional strategies, blending traditional teacher-led instruction, peer collaboration, and individual learning to help each student realize their maximum potential. Flexible instructional models allow teachers to spend more time working with your child individually and in small groups while students spend part of their time learning individually, in groups, and with digital learning platforms. Through this model your child is constantly learning and getting the individualized attention they deserve.
One flexible learning model commonly found in your school is the center-rotation model. In this model, teachers give a whole-group mini-lesson followed by teacher-designed centers students rotate through, working individually or in small groups on standards-based learning tasks. In one center, students meet with the teacher individually or in small groups to receive individualized instruction, review learning progress and performance, and set new goals.
Computer Adaptive Learning Platforms
Computer adaptive learning platforms allow for students to work at their own pace on a learning path tailored to their needs. Teachers use these learning platforms to meet your student where they are and help move them forward.
Your student uses Edmentum Exact Path to take a diagnostic assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. This data is used by Exact Path to create a computer generated, individual, learning path for each student. Teachers use this data to create specific skill-based groups for center rotations and provide individualized instruction.
Innovation Zones
Students collaborate and create in an environment built around a STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math] curriculum with focused activities including robotics, coding, design, visual and digital media, and engineering.
In the innovation zone, your child is using computer-assisted design software, fabrication tools, programming and controlling robots, producing audio and video, and learning about electrical engineering. Students also learn how to stay safe online while being a moral digital and online citizen.