Dear Colleague,

May the Peace of Christ be with you!

 The revision of curriculum is an ongoing pursuit. It entails the blending of what is true and proven with openness to innovations that might well enhance the quest for excellence. In the Archdiocese of Baltimore we have made a pledge that our Course of Study would have a three-pronged approach: 1) it will always be a vibrant life-giving document; 2) it will have a consistent student-centered focus; and 3) it will undergo continual evaluation and study. Such a process guarantees that we can maintain our professional integrity as Catholic educators.

 This Course of Study reflects changes that represents the thinking of respected scholars and is consistent with our mission as expressed in our strategic plan. “As One Body…We Celebrate…We Challenge…” That mission focuses on two central themes. The first addresses our teachers and administrators to be strong advocates for our youth. The second theme centers on the development of our students, making them learners for life.

 We draw our strength for this mission from our Catholic Identity, which is rooted in our Catholic tradition and teachings. Such a proclamation, while being faithful to our Catholic Identity, does not hinder our ability to embrace those elements of research that enhance our academic programs and broaden the horizons of our students’ academic growth. The renowned educator Sr. Claire Fitzgerald, SSND, clearly maintains that to be academically good is part of our Catholic Identity.

 The Course of Study is grounded and fortified by the Statement of Beliefs. These beliefs are the keystone that holds the curricular program in place. These profound statements provide the means for the execution of the daily life of the curricular program and are central to the Archdiocesan philosophy of education. The Statement of Beliefs traces a process of learning wherein the student is the primary focus. Most important, the Statement of Beliefs stresses the inclusiveness of all those who play an integral part in the student’s total development. These tenets accentuate the integrity of our pursuit of excellence both for our students and for our teachers. The beliefs are the very soul of our curricular program for they embody our philosophy of learning; they provide the blueprint for our pedagogy; and they form the essential elements for assessing our progress.

 As we promote the Course of Study, we embark upon an evolution of change that accompanies a life-giving document. We must be attentive to the life experiences of our students. For example in recent years, it has become essential that we implement technology as a teaching tool in the service of our curriculum. Therefore, we who craft and implement the Course of Study must be open to all of the factors that will enhance our academic program and complement our pursuit of excellence.

This Course of Study allows us to honor the traditional and to embrace the innovative. It challenges us to fulfill our role as “guardians of the gates of wisdom and mystery.” (Sr. Claire Fitzgerald)

 We entrust this document to our administrators and teachers who continually demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to Catholic education. As trusted gatekeepers of our children’s formalized learning experience, we are confident that this Course of Study will move from the printed page to the excitement and vibrancy of the classroom, which only a teacher can create.

 Dr. Ronald J. Valenti, Superintendent of Catholic Schools