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Schools update religion curriculum, teacher prep

The religion curriculum for the Diocese of Little Rock’s Catholic elementary schools was updated this fall.

A 15-person committee of principals and teachers met with associate superintendent Theresa Hall this spring to review the curriculum and prayers taught in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. It was the first time since 1996 that the curriculum has been revised.

“They are just guidelines,” Hall said.

“Anybody who teaches in a Catholic school is a religion teacher. They might not be teaching the subject matter, but they are teaching the Catholic faith.”
Theresa Hall, associate superintendent of Catholic schools

Hall said the curriculum only needed to be updated slightly, changing the wording in some places and reviewing in what grades certain prayers are taught.

“There were some things that were repeated,” she said.

The diocese also offers a list of textbooks, approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Because high school religion curriculum is overseen by the USCCB, the diocesan curriculum only extends through eighth grade.

The diocese has already revised its language arts and math curriculums and will be updating its science curriculum in 2014.

Along with updating the religion curriculum, the committee looked at faith formation continuing education for all classroom teachers, but especially for those who teach religion. In some elementary schools the classroom teacher teaches about the faith, while in other schools a religion teacher leads the lessons, Hall said. 

A list of websites, webinars and classes was compiled and given to the principals in August. The principals are required to ensure that those teaching religion participate in faith formation throughout the year and provide a written reflection on what they learned. Some of the locally recommended resources include the Little Rock Theology Institute, Bible Institute and RCIA sessions in their parish. 

“You want to make sure they are getting what the Church teachings are,” Hall said of the students.

Teachers are encouraged to participate in a variety of educational opportunities where they learn about all areas of the faith, such as morality, liturgy, history and Scripture.

All teachers must achieve a basic certification within two years and continue to attend classes in successive years to maintain their certification.

Hall said faith formation is important for all teachers.

“Anybody who teaches in a Catholic school is a religion teacher,” she said. “They might not be teaching the subject matter, but they are teaching the Catholic faith.”

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