High School

CURRICULUM GUIDELINES

highschool


GahannaChristian Academy recognizes the importance of quality curriculum andreading materials to achieve academic excellence in an educationalprogram. In the context of a Christian school, it is vitally importantthat the selection criteria include provisions to ensure that materialsselected will complement the mission and philosophy of the school, andwill not promote outcomes that are inconsistent with Biblical principlesand Godly character. Materials selected for the school's educationalprogram, whether printed, video, audio, personal narrative, or any othermedia, based upon the following criteria:
·Consistency with Biblical precept and principle
·Godly character development
·Age-appropriateness
·Fulfillment of sound educational objectives
·Social/cultural value of the material
·Meet and/or surpass the academic standards for the state of Ohio.

TEXTS AND OTHER RESOURCES
Textbooks and othermaterials are chosen after careful review by teachers, the curriculumcoordinator and other consultants or parents as deemed appropriate forthe course being reviewed. However, textbooks are only one part of thecurriculum. The teacher plays a vital role in implementation of thecurriculum. The curriculum will also include the teacher's knowledge,instructional tools, supplementary materials, field trips, discussions,and resource people invited to the classroom, etc. Within each classinvolving secular curriculum the teacher has the important task ofBiblical integration linking Christian philosophy, character, andScriptural truth to the lessons presented. All textbooks andsupplemental material shall be approved by the administration before usein the classroom.
Independent Reading
Independent books to beread by students without teacher guidance must be scrutinized carefullyas we place our "stamp of approval" on books to be read for book reportsor other projects
a)Nothing questionable should be in these books.
b)There is not to be any words of profanity or vulgarity.
c)There should be no titles emphasizing other religious spirits.
d)There is to be nothing dealing with the occult, magic spells or curses.
e)There is to be nothing of a sexual nature.
f)There is to be nothing emphasizing or glorifying violence (i.e. gangs)
g) There should not be rebellion without consequences.

CLASSROOM NOVELS - TEACHER DIRECTED
Materialsused in a classroom are naturally more easily controlled as to itsimpact on the students. Students should be exposed to a wide variety ofgenre throughout their schooling such as: biography, classical fiction,nonfiction, prejudices, realism, fantasy, poetry, drama, comedy, andChristian teachings. Older students should read and learn about variousliterature selections which have some points of controversy regardingright and wrong based on Biblical values. They should know how to debateor challenge the worlds' standard against Biblical truth. When acontroversial book is read, it will be teacher-directed using aChristian-based study guide or planned and approved method for sharingwith the class. Parents will be notified at the start of a class or bookif controversial literature will be presented. Ingradesradesradesradesrades 6-12: Limited use of material may be usedthat is not consistent with Biblical principle and godly character ifthere is adequate social/cultural value to the material and it promotesgreater intellectual development in ways consistent with the mission ofGahanna Christian Academy. We desire that our older students be preparedto stand against worldly philosophies. Students must be trained to bespiritually wise as they analyze secular texts, author's points of viewand grow as critical thinkers. The teacher must submit, in writing,his/her plan for proper Biblical integration and appropriate discussionfrom a Christian worldview of the questionable parts of the material.

PLATO COURSEWARE
As Gahanna Christian Academy moves to adapt a 21st century classroom approach, we have added Plato Courseware to our education to compliment what our teachers are doing in the classroom.

Plato Courseware is a standards-based online learning program grounded in a tradition of solid research, sound pedagogy, and applied innovation. They have developed rigorous, relevant curriculum that challenges our students with a 21st century approach - engaging the students with interactive, media-rich content.

Whether our students are falling behind, at grade level, or advanced, accommodate their unique needs in an environment in which they will thrive. Plato Courseware can be used in a lab setting, a blended model in which online courses supplement the traditional classroom, or through a completely virtual experience. 

Click here to view the High School Curriculum List