1 Canonical Authority of the Diocesan Bishop
In accordance with canon law, the archbishop exercises full authority over the religious instruction and formation programs in all Catholic schools of his archdiocese, including both schools of the archdiocese and schools in the archdiocese that are owned and operated by religious orders, institutes, or governing boards. The authority of the bishop extends to but is not limited to the content of the religion curriculum, the hiring of teachers of religion, the visitation of schools, and the use of the title "Catholic school." The archbishop may exercise this authority in person or through designated delegates such as the superintendent and the religion supervisor from the Department of Catholic Schools.
2 Textbooks, Teaching Materials, Resources, and Content of Instruction
Textbooks, other teaching materials, and resources are chosen on the basis of sound doctrine, attention to both cognitive and affective domains, continuity with the program of instruction, and adequacy in meeting the needs and capabilities of the students in the particular school.
All religion textbooks are to have the approval of the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism. Other materials and resources used by teachers are to meet the same standards as textbooks with regard to sound doctrine and appropriateness for students.
The content of instruction must conform to the authentic teaching of the Church as summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic Churchand must clearly distinguish defined doctrine from personal opinion and theological interpretation. It will stress the relevance of religious truths and principles to the personal lives and daily concerns of the students.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age guides the written course outlines that must be developed and followed for each high school course. Course outlines are to be framework-based and not textbook-based.
Please see the foundational catechetical documents.
3 Western Catholic Educational Association Catholic Identity Standards
All schools, whether archdiocesan, parish, or those owned and operated by religious orders, institutes, or governing boards, are required to meet the following Catholic identity standards from the accrediting agency for archdiocesan elementary schools, the Western Catholic Educational Association (Improving Student Learning, 2012 ed., p. 41; Ensuring Educational Excellence, 2014 ed., p. 10 [click on 1-WCEA E3 2014 Protocol.pdf]):
The school has a mission statement and philosophy statement that indicates the integration of the Catholic faith in all aspects of the school's life.
The school provides regular opportunities for the school community to experience prayer and the sacraments.
The school has a religion curriculum and instruction that is faithful to Catholic Church teachings and meets the requirements as set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The local ordinary approves those who teach the Catholic faith (Canon 805) and there is ongoing formation for catechetical and instructional competence.
The school maintains an active partnership with parents/guardians whose fundamental concern is the spiritual and academic education of their children (Canon 796).
The school has a service-oriented outreach to the Church and civic community after the example of Jesus Christ, who said, "I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you" (Jn 13:15).
The school uses signs, sacramentals, traditions, and rituals of the Catholic Church.
All school personnel are actively engaged in bringing the good news of Jesus into the total educational experience.
4 Elementary School Curriculum
Implementing these standards and evaluating and setting goals is a yearly task of the elementary school in a manner that is consistent with the curriculum standards set by the Department of Catholic Schools.
Curriculum components include:
The Profession of Faith
The Celebration of the Christian Mystery/The Seven Sacraments of the Church
Life in Christ; Man's/Woman's Vocation: Life in the Spirit
Christian Prayer; Prayer in the Christian Life
These components are based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Class time, assignments, and accountability for religion classes are comparable to that of all academic areas. Specifically, religion is to be taught each semester of the Catholic school program for an average of 250 minutes per week, in conformity with the norms governing the weekly instructional time for courses earning one full unit of credit.
