← Chapter 4: Self-Study Analysis - Category B1

(Chapter IV: Self-Study Findings)

CATEGORY B: CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND ASSESSMENT

B1. What Students Learn Criterion

The school provides a challenging, coherent and relevant curriculum for each student that fulfills the school’s purpose and results in student achievement of the schoolwide learner outcomes through successful completion of any course of study offered.

“Schoolwide learner outcomes are interdisciplinary statements about what all students should know, understand and be able to do by the time they complete the planned program or graduate.” One example: every student will demonstrate higher order thinking skills of application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Indicators with Prompts

Current Educational Research and Thinking

B1.1 Indicator: The school provides a comprehensive and sequential documented curriculum that is articulated within and across grade levels for the improvement of programs, learning, and teaching. The curriculum is modified as needed to address current educational research and thinking, other relevant international/national/community issues and the needs of all students.

B1.1 Prompt: Comment on the effective use of current educational research related to the curricular areas in order to maintain a viable, meaningful instructional program for students. Examine the effectiveness of how the school staff stay current and relevant and revise the curriculum appropriately within the curricular review cycle.

Findings	Evidence
The school has made a great effort to provide research-based professional development for its teachers. Some examples include Fr. Francis X. Hezel S.J., a social scientist expert on Micronesian education, conducted workshops/retreat for faculty and staff. Teachers have taken Education courses at the local community college to upgrade their knowledge.	Retreat Workshop Schedule Coursework at Palau Community College
Student learning is a top priority. The curriculum follows a yearly plan that is reviewed and revised when necessary. The teachers’ yearly plan for each course dictates what is being taught. • Reading classes were cut out of the curriculum at one time as a separate subject so classes focusing on the English Language Arts were limited to 45 minutes. Later, Reading was put back in as a separate subject from English grammar. • The courses offered are the courses required by Palau law RPPL 4-57. Classes are divided into 45- minute periods each day. • Electives are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Examples of electives offered in the past are choir, gardening, drawing, sewing, carving, making fish traps. Currently, electives are offered through after school programs in the form of dancing or sports under the management of our PE counselors. Programs are continued depending on the popularity.	Yearly Plans over the past five years Schedule of after school programs Pictures of after school programs Class Schedules After school schedules
With the help of our director, Fr. Richard McAuliff, S.J., our handbook and policies were revised to fit the current situation of our children. Some of the updates address the problems of obesity in Pacific Islanders. Maris Stella students are not allowed drinks other than water in school and personal electronics at school are not allowed without permission from teachers.	Maris Stella Handbook
In School Year 2016, Maris Stella School changed its math program to follow Singapore Math’s curriculum. The Japan International Cooperation Agency volunteers taught Singapore Math in Grades 1-4 and worked with teachers and parents to help understand the different Singapore math methods.	Parent Workshops Teacher Workshops
JICA volunteer teachers also introduced the Math Hero Challenge. Math Hero is a daily activity to reinforce math skills. Students have pre-tests and post-tests to monitor progress. 2018 Pre-tests and Post-Tests in the third grade showed an 85% improvement. 2019 pretests and post-tests show improvements in grade 1 by 27%, 2nd grade by 50%, 3rd grade by 71% and 4th grade by 30%.	Math Hero Workbooks Math Hero Pre-test and Post- test MATH Hero results for 3rd Grade SY2017-2018
Health is not a core subject (meaning it is not mandated by school policy) and therefore is integrated into Science as well as PE to accommodate more time needed for core subjects.	Conversation with veteran teachers.

Academic Standards for Each Area

B1.2. Indicator: The school provides a comprehensive and sequential documented curriculum that is articulated within and across grade levels for the improvement of programs, learning, and teaching.

B1.2. Prompt: Evaluate to what extent there are defined academic standards for each subject area, course, and/or program (e.g., online instruction) that meet state or national/international standards and, if applicable, expectations within courses that meet the UC “a-g” requirements.

Findings	Evidence
The school’s curriculum consists of the yearly plan for each grade for each subject. Lesson Plans with objectives and assessment plans are created with these yearly plans in mind. The lesson plans are connected to the yearly plans which serve as our curriculum map.	Teacher Lesson Plans Yearly Plan Books
Singapore Math textbooks have been adopted. The techniques and materials continue to be a challenge for students, teachers and parents. Other books, although outdated, still provide exercises that are relevant to learning at similar elementary levels.	Singapore Math books Math books
JICA volunteers are helping us with math. They have observed classes, given critical feedback, led discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of our math program and initiated plans to improve the math skills of students. Currently, we are using the Math Hero quizzes along with Singapore math techniques.	Singapore Math Summer math workshop Teacher’s evaluation sheet Math Hero books
Palauan teachers follow the yearly plan, using all available resources to address the needs of the students. Some resources are the MOE curriculum, Palauan Grammar Book, Palauan Custom books, storybooks and legends. They also rely on historical site field trips to emphasize a Palauan concept.	Conversation with Palauan teacher Palauan Yearly Plan MOE curriculum framework Palauan Studies Palauan Grammar Book Palauan Rechuodel Volume 1 and 2. Palauan lesson plan example
Textbooks for Social Studies are mostly about social elements of the United States of America. Teachers relate the lessons to what students need to learn about Palau.	Social Studies Yearly Plan Social Studies books K-8
The Yearly Plan is revised when needed by the Religion teachers. New consumable books are purchased every year.	Religion Yearly Plan
Teachers teach according to the Common Core Standards. Objectives found in the Teacher’s edition for Literature. Books dictate the sequence of studies and yearly plans. The school relies on the resourcefulness of the teacher to provide updated information or to apply the lessons to current situations. Books are sequenced for each grade so there is a consistent idea in the progression of student learning. Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth are using HBJ for Grammar and Signatures for Reading Program. Some of our books are outdated but they still provide relevant learning exercises.	Yearly Plans Inventory List Literature Books Grammar Books

Congruence

B1.3. Indicator: There is congruence between the actual concepts and skills taught, the academic standards, and the schoolwide learner outcomes.

B1.3. Prompt: Evaluate if there is congruence between the actual concepts and skills taught, the academic standards, and the schoolwide learner outcomes.

Findings	Evidence
There is congruence between actual concepts and skills taught, the academic standards and the expected schoolwide learning results. Through the ESLR process, the teachers present agreed that all the school wide learning results were being placed into consideration or were expected to be demonstrated in all the subjects and extra-curricular programs.	Teacher’s Lesson Plan Sample Exam Yearly Plan
In preparing lesson plans, teachers take into consideration the objectives and the assessment of the concepts and that the skills taught are aligned.	Teacher’s Lesson Plans Classroom Observations Sample Tests
Maris Stella School evaluates students on Behavior and Effort criteria quarterly. The behaviors expected include being obedient, honest, respectful, responsible, cooperative, and practices self- control. Behaviors that show effort are listed as attentive, industrious, takes initiative, punctual, perseverance. Students are graded quarterly separate from the academic grades. At the end of the year, students are awarded for Behavior, Effort, Leadership which fulfills the expected schoolwide learning results.	Handbook Report Cards Permanent records
The Star of the Sea Award is an award given to a graduating student who has shown exemplary achievements in academics and other behavior throughout their nine years at Maris Stella School.	Parent/Student Handbook
The first Monday of every month, students are recognized who have shown achievement in their behavior, effort, science, social studies, mathematics, English, Literature, and Palauan. This encourages students to be aware of their progress academically as well as socially. This fulfills ESLR “Open to Growth”	List of Students of the Month.
Catholic Schools Week is a full week of academics, outreach programs and cultural events. All events are related to children demonstrating their knowledge of their culture.	Catholic Schools Week schedule

Student Work — Engagement in Learning

B1.4. Indicator: The school’s examination of representative samples of student work and snapshots of student engagement in learning demonstrates the implementation of a standards-based curriculum and the schoolwide learner outcomes.

B1.4. Prompt: Evaluate to what extent the examination of representative samples of student work and snapshots of student engagement in learning demonstrate the implementation of a standards- based curriculum and the addressing of the schoolwide learner outcomes.

Findings	Evidence
The exams given by teachers test skills that the yearly plan listed for the quarter.	Exams and Yearly Plans Evaluation form
Observations of colleagues	Teacher Evaluation form
Math Jugyokenkyuu (Study of Classroom teaching) Teacher observations and feedback evaluates engagement of student in learning as well as the effectiveness of the lessons.	Teacher Evaluation form
Catholic School’s Week has a mixture of events that include writing essays, poetry, cultural performances, outreach programs, academic challenges and sports challenges. Each day is planned according to a certain theme. The activities fulfill objectives such as having appropriate knowledge of one’s culture, serving the community, communicating through writing, participating in and appreciating one’s Faith. Math, Social Studies and Science concepts are also demonstrated during the academic challenges. Children participate in sports that encourages and promotes physical activity. At the end of the week, students, usually in third grade or older, receive the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist and Reconciliation.	Catholic School’s Week plans Snapshots Essay sample
Students participate in sports through nationwide competitions and after-school programs. Their participation is evidence that students are physically active which helps them with their mental well-being. In the past year, their attitude during nationwide competitions was acknowledged with the Sportsmanship Award.	Sportsmanship Trophies Pictures of afterschool programs and nationwide competitions.
Schoolwide Science Fair is evidence of implementation of a standards-based curriculum and school wide learning results. Students create science projects as results of what they learned in Science. They portray different concepts that are objectives in the curriculum, use communication skills and display behavioral attitudes that are expected in the ESLRs.	Certificates of participation Snapshots of Science Fair
Students write essays or poetry or draw pictures to participate in nationwide competitions such as the Palau International Coral Reef Arts and Tide Calendar, Earth Day, Palau Pledge, and other Ministry of Health competitions. Their results show proficiency in English and Arts.	Sample Essays Arts and Tide
Grades 6-8 have a Prayer Day every year. During seasons of Advent and Lent, the students participate in outreach programs such as visiting elders or providing food to the needy. This is implementation of a standards-based curriculum in religion.	Pictures of activities

Accessibility of All Students to Curriculum

B.1.5 Indicator: A rigorous, relevant, and coherent curriculum to all students is accessible to all students through all courses/programs offered. The school examines the demographics and situation of students throughout the class offerings. The school’s instructional practices and other activities facilitate access and success for special needs students.

B.1.5 Prompt: What have you learned about the accessibility of a rigorous, relevant and coherent curriculum to all students through the various courses/program offered, e.g., online instruction? What did you learn from examining the demographics and situation of students throughout the class offerings? Evaluate how the instructional practices and other activities facilitate access and success for special needs students.

Findings	Evidence
The school coordinates with Ministry of Education’s Special Education Program. With the cooperation of all teachers, an Individual Student Learning Objective is created for children diagnosed with special needs. The teachers adjust lessons to fulfill the objectives of these plans.	Individual Student Learning Objective sample.

Acceptable Student Achievement

B1.6 Indicator: The school demonstrates acceptable student learning of the academic standards and the schoolwide learner outcomes through defined performance indicators.

B1.6 Prompt: What evidence demonstrates acceptable student achievement of the academic standards and the schoolwide learner outcomes through defined performance indicators?

Findings	Evidence
The discussions on ESLR’s and the measurement of the achievement of each learning result shows that the school have defined performance indicators that will demonstrate achievement of the academic standards and the schoolwide learner outcomes.	ESLR performance indicators.
The school’s handbook lists the criteria for achievement in academics, behavior and effort. Academics are graded using a 0 and 100 scale to show level of performance, while behavior and effort are given numbers 1-4. Behavior and effort have performance indicators that are clear, reasonable and comprehensible.	School Handbook Report card

Integration Among Disciplines

B1.7 Indicator: There is integration among disciplines at the school and, if applicable, integration of outsourced curriculum into the program for which curricular integrity, reliability and security is maintained.

B1.7 Prompt: Evaluate to what extent is there integration among disciplines and, if applicable, integration of outsourced curriculum into the program for which curricular integrity, reliability and security is maintained.

Findings	Evidence
Teachers attempt to integrate all subjects when they go on field trips. This ensures that when they go out in the field, they are able to emphasize learning objectives in multiple in subjects.	Field Trips’ Lesson Plans
Catholic School’s Week has activities that fulfill almost all subjects’ objectives. Essay or poem writing fulfills Literature and Grammar objectives. Cultural performances fulfill Palauan and Social Studies objectives. Academic challenges fulfill all subjects’ objectives. Sports or Field Day fulfills Physical Education objectives.	Catholic Schools Week’s plans. English and Palauan essay examples
Literature and Grammar are usually integrated through writing projects.	Writing examples.
Outsourcing curriculum materials: Palauan teachers are outsourcing curriculum materials to meet the needs of students.	Compilation of sources

Curricular Review, Revision, and Evaluation

B1.8 Indicator: The school assesses its curriculum review, evaluation, and review processes for each program area, including graduation requirements, credits, grading policies, and homework policy regarding the impact of these processes on providing a challenging, coherent, and relevant curriculum for all students.

B1.8 Prompt: Comment on the effectiveness of the school’s curriculum review, evaluation, and review processes for each program area and its impact on providing a challenging, coherent, and relevant curriculum for all students. Evaluate the effectiveness of the processes to assess curricular gaps and modify the curriculum to ensure that specific student needs are being met.

Findings	Evidence
Curriculum guidelines are the basis for yearly plans. Yearly plans and quarterly plans dictate each area’s instruction. Teachers are responsible to review, evaluate and modify processes for each program area. ESLR goals serve as standards for school learner outcomes.	Curriculum guidelines for each subject Teachers Yearly and quarterly Plan Lesson plans
Summer workshops facilitated by the principal review the handbook policies along with lesson plans. Evaluation, reviewing and suggestions for improvements are discussed during this period. A conclusive plan is created and implemented during the school year and re-evaluated during the summer.	Teachers’ meetings minutes. Workshop notes. Conversation with teachers.
Effectiveness of the school’s curriculum review, evaluation and review processes for each program area depends on the effectiveness of the teacher.	Lesson Plans
Subject area teachers are divided into departments. Each department head ensures that teachers of each department have all the necessities for the school year such as books and workbooks. They must also find ways to improve the departments.	Departments: religion, math, English/Literature, science, social studies and Palauan

Collaborative Work

B1.9 Indicator: The administrators and teachers use various collaborative strategies to examine curriculum design and student work in order to refine lessons, units, and/or courses.

B1.9 Prompt: Comment on the collaborative strategies used to examine curriculum design and student work and its effect on refining lessons, units, and/or courses.

Findings	Evidence
Department Heads work with teachers to examine curriculum design, student work, refine lessons, units, and/or courses.	List of departments
Teachers in the Religion department work together for Advent events, Christmas play, Lent activities, First Friday Masses, Retreats and other events related to our Faith. The events are refined each year using experiences from the year before.	Advent Activities, Retreats, Christmas Play, Lenten Activities
Before school starts, teachers meet to discuss challenges during the last school year and how to overcome those challenges.	Summer schedule
At the annual Pacific of Educational Convention, (PEC) teachers learn from other teachers. They share and adopt ideas and methods from other teachers to enhance their teaching techniques.	Pictures PEC schedules

Policies — Rigorous, Relevant, Coherent Curriculum

B1.10 Indicator: The school assesses the curriculum and its rigor, relevancy and coherency after examination of policies regarding course completion, credits, grading policies, homework, use of technology, etc.

B1.10 Prompt: Evaluate the effectiveness of the process through which key stakeholders assess the curriculum in relation to these school’s policies.

Findings	Evidence
During the summer, policies in the handbook are reviewed and updated on a yearly basis among teachers, communicated to PTA and School Board. The school assesses policies regarding course completion, credits, grading policies, homework, and use of technology. In the past three years, some policies have changed to meet the needs of current situations. For example, the failing grade has been changed from 70-65 to be consistent with MOE’s policies.	Student Handbook
Teachers review policies regarding course completion, communicate their effectiveness and share methods they have used and how they produced positive results. The consistent evaluation certifies its relevancy.	Student Handbook
Report cards are distributed quarterly. They are an effective way to communicate with parents about how the school assesses their children’s progress in fulfilling the requirements of the school.	Report Cards School calendar
Summer Courses are provided for children who received below 65% and will need remedial classes to be promoted to the next level.	Summer School schedule Summer school enrollment list School Handbook
School Board of Directors received updated information on school happenings.	School Board of Directors meeting minutes

Articulation and Follow-up Studies

B1.11. Indicator: The school conducts student follow-up studies that provide insight to the effectiveness of the instruction to prepare students for pursuing further education, entering the work force, or meeting their personal goals.

B1.11.Prompt: Share examples of articulation with feeder schools and local colleges and universities, including comments on the regularity of their occurrence. What has been revealed through the follow-up studies of graduates and others regarding the effectiveness of the curricular program?