Curriculum handbook for parents

2010·3.5 MB·English

by  Alberta. Alberta Education

2009 2010
UniversityofAlberta Library
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1620 2829149 8
Curriculum
Grade 9 Handbook
for Parents
Government of Alberta
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Universitatis
Albertensis
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GRADE Curriculum
Handbook
Parents
for
Catholic School Version
2009-2010
This Curriculum Handbook provides parents
with information about the Grade 9 curriculum.
It includes:
• selected learning outcomes for each subject
area from the provincial curriculum
• links to the Alberta Education Web site
where more information can be found
• information on a personal and career
development and planning for senior high
school
• a feedback form.
Alberta Education
This document, along with most Alberta Education documents, can be found
on the Web site at http://education.alberta.ca
.
Parent documents referenced in this handbook, along with most Alberta Education documents, are
available forpurchase from:
Learning Resources Centre
12360- 142 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9
Telephone: [phone]
Toll-free: 310-0000 (inside Alberta)
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://lrc.education.gov.ab.ca/pro/default.html
Telephone numbers referred to in this handbook can be reached, toll-free inside Alberta, bv dialling
310-0000.
Arts, Communications and Citizenship French Language Education Services
Telephone: 780^127-2984 Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: curric.contact(a-cducation.gov.ab.ca E-mail: LSBfeedc.gov.ab.ca
Digital Design and Resource Authorization LearnerAssessment
Telephone: 780^127-2984 Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: 780-422^1200
E-mail: curric.contact(ajcducation.gov.ab.ca E-mail: LAcontactf^edc.gov.ab.ca
Distributed Learning Mathematics and Science
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: DLB.GeneraK^gov.ab.ca E-mail: curric.contact(rtcducation.gov.ab.ca
First Nations, Metis and Inuit Services Special Education Branch
Telephone: [phone] Telephone: 780^122-6326
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: FNMIServicestoigov.ab.ca E-mail: Special.Educations gov.ab.ca
ISSN 1483-1708
Copyright© 2009, the Crown in RightofAlberta, as represented bv the MinisterofEducation. Alberta Education.
10044 - 108 Street NW, EdmontonrAlberla, Canada, T5J 5E6.
Permission is given by the copyright owner to reproduce this handbook foreducational purposes and on a nonprofit
basis.
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
5
Catholic Curriculum Handbookfor Parents: Grade 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
v Message from the MinisterofEducation
vi Letter from Bishop Frederick Henry
1 Introduction
Finding Information
1
2 Helping Your Child at Home
4 Grade 9
4 Overview
6 Religious Education
12 Required Subject Areas
12 English Language Arts
Mathematics
1
18 Science
21 Social Studies
25 Information and Communication Technology
27 Physical Education
30 Health and Life Skills
32 Optional Subject Areas
32 Career and Technology Studies
34 Fine Arts
36 Languages
43 Environmental and Outdoor Education
44 Ethics
45 Locally Developed Courses
46 Information for Parents
46 Learning in Alberta
47 School Councils
47 School Fees and Fundraising
48 School Choice
48 Inspiring Education
49 Information about Curriculum
—
49 Curriculum Content Deciding What Students Should Learn
—
50 Curriculum Development Who Is Involved in the Process?
50 Ensuring Curriculum Is Current
50 Planning Curriculum Changes
50 Revising Curriculum
51 Implementing Curriculum
52 First Nations, Metis and Inuit Education
53 Daily Physical Activity
54 Career and Life Planning
IV CatholicCurriculumHandbookforParents: Grade9
55 WorldSkilis International
56 WorldSkilis Calgary 2009 QuickFacts
57 Supports for Learning
57 English as a Second Language
57 Special Education
57 Distributed Learning
58 Digital Resources to Support Curriculum Outcomes
59 Knowledge and Employability
61 Assessment
61 Assessing Student Achievement
61 Grade Level ofAchievement (GLA)
62 Provincial Achievement Tests
63 Planning for Senior High School
65 Feedback Form
Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents: Grade 9
Message from the
Minister of Education
In today's busy households, where our Kindergarten to Grade 12 students are involved in every kind of
extracurricular activity imaginable, it is especially important parents and guardians are kept informed
about what their students are learning in th—e classroom. That is why each year Alberta Education
develops the curriculum handbooks series an insightful guide that outlines what students across the
province will learn at their respective grade levels.
We know you play a critical role in determining your child's future success. I am confident this
handbook will engage you in Alberta's curriculum, your student's studies, and answer any questions you
may have on what your child is learning. I also hope this publication will create an opportunity foropen
dialogue between you, your child and his or her teacher regarding curriculum outcomes and expectations.
—
Alberta's curriculum is recognized for its excellence and our students are thriving as a result.
I encourage you to see this handbook as a window into your child's learning and as a resource in
understanding how we help students reach their full potential. Ifyou have any questions about the
content ofthis handbook, do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or school.
I hope you find this handbook helpful and informative and I wish you and your student every success this
school year.
Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister, Alberta Education
VI ©AlbertaEducation,2009 CatholicCurriculumHandbookforParents: Grade9
Dear Parents and Guardians:
On behalfofthe Catholic Bishops ofAlberta, I wish to express my appreciation to the
Government ofAlberta and Alberta Education forproviding you this updated Kindergarten to Grade 12
Curriculum Handbooks for Parents.
You, parents, are the first and primary educators ofyour children especially with regards to
education in the faith. By ensuring that the Gospel is truly lived in the context ofyour family and in the
life ofour schools and communities you are a powerful witness for your children. The role ofthe parents
is vital in providing the best possible education for our children.
When you enroll your children in a Catholic school you can be assured ofour support in your role.
I encourage you to work closely with the school byjoining your local school councils or parent groups.
You can assist young men and women, boys and girls, to understand themselves as moral persons living
the way ofChrist through the experience and teaching ofthe Catholic Church. Be a strong voice for the
Catholic identity ofour schools. In this way, you will share in the central mission ofthe Church, which is
to proclaim Jesus and his Gospel in the world today and, in so doing, hand on our faith to ourchildren.
We commend Alberta Education for providing these updated Curriculum Handbooks for Parents.
They provide a comprehensive presentation ofthe content and expectations ofthe Religious Education
program approved by the Canadian Conference ofCatholic Bishops.
May their use be a source ofgrowth in faith, hope and love in all ofour communities throughout
Alberta.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Bishop Frederick Henry
Diocese ofCalgary
Education Liaison, Alberta Conference ofCatholic Bishops
Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents: Grade 9
Introduction
—
Students learn in a variety ofenvironments in their homes,
Websitelinksforfurtherinformation schools and communities. Parents, teachers and community
are provided throughoutthe
handbook. members form a partnership to assist this learning.
When parents know what children are studying at school, they can
provide better home support for their children's learning. The
Curriculum HandbooksforParents are designed to assist parents
in participating in their child's education by fostering an
understanding ofwhat students learn at each grade level.
Finding Information
Parents can find information about the curriculum and learning
resources in a number ofways:
• Contact teachers or school administrators.
http://education.alberta.ca/parents/resources/ Curriculum Handbooks contain selected outcomes for each
handbook,aspx
subject area from the Alberta programs ofstudy. They
provide a more detailed picture ofeach year. This Curriculum
Handbook is one ofa set from Kindergarten to senior high
school produced in general and Catholic versions and in
French. They are available on the Alberta Education Web site
or for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).
http://education.alberta.ca/parents/reso Curriculum Summaries for each grade level provide a brief
urces/summaries.aspx
overview ofeach year. The summaries are available on the
Alberta Education Web site.
21
©AlbertaEducation,2009 CatholicCurriculumHandbookforParents: Grade9
http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/pro • In Alberta, the provincial curriculum is organized into
qram.aspx Programs ofStudy. They contain learning outcomes for each
subject area from Kindergarten to Grade 12. They are legal
documents that outline why the educational program is
offered, what students are expected to learn and the basic
principles about how students are to achieve the required
knowledge, skills and attitudes. School authorities use the
Programs ofStudy to ensure that students meet provincial
standards ofachievement. However, they have flexibility to
decide how to teach the curriculum and the order in which it is
taught. They are available on the Alberta Education Web site
or for purchase from the Learning Resources Centre (LRC).
http://education.alberta.ca/apps/lrdb • The Authorized Resources Database on the Alberta Education
Web site lists Alberta authorized student and teacher
resources, most ofwhich are available for purchase from the
LRC.
http://education.alberta.ca • The Alberta Education Web site contains information on
learning from the early years to adulthood.
Helping Your Child at Home
Here are some important pointers for you to help your child learn.
• Be positive and encouraging in yourapproach to learning. It
will help your child feel confident and enthusiastic about
success.
• Talk to your child about schoolwork and help with homework
when you can.
• Help your child set realistic goals and discuss progress in an
encouraging way.
• Connect yourchild's schoolwork with everyday life and use
these opportunities for problem solving in everyday situations.
• Keep in touch with teachers about yourchild's progress,
including successes and achievements, notjust concerns.
The following resources may help you. Check your child's school
for availability.
These resourcesareavailable for • Make School Workfor You: A ResourceforJuniorandSe—nior
purchasefrom the Learning Resources
Centre (LRC). Orderonline at High Students Who Want to Be More SuccessfulLearners
http://lrc.education.qov.ab.ca/pro/default.html Information on knowing yourself, getting organized, making
every class count, test taking, presenting learning, getting
along with others and staying motivated.
• The Parent Advantage: Helping Children Become Mo—re
SuccessfulLearners at Home andSchool, Grades 1-9
Strategics parents can use to help their child improve
organizational, reading, writing, spelling, mathematical, test
taking and project skills at the grades 1-9 levels.