ACADEMICS/CURRICULUM
The construction of an effective curriculum is a continual cyclical process of evaluation and implementation. Curriculum can be defined as an interrelation set of plans and experiences that a student undertakes under the guidance of an instructor. Curriculum is more than just books. The organic ( living) curriculum is a vital component to the intellectual development of any individual. The communicative ideas in the classroom carry far more weight than the textbook publisher. The textbook provides a guide and is a source of tangible experience for the student and the teacher.
CCS utilizes a wide variety of textbook publishers. Major elementary publishers include: Abeka, and BJU Press. Major secondary publishers include: Prentice Hall, BJU Press, McDougal Littel, and Veritas.
ACADEMIC HONORS
Claremore Christian Secondary School recognizes a yearly 4.0 and a 3.5 and up honor roll. These purely academic awards are recognized at the awards banquet at the end of the year. The GPA for these awards are calculated by averaging the two semester averages. Elementary recognizes a straight A honor roll.
The grade scale is as follows:
( 4 ) A = 90-100 ( 2 ) C = 70-79 F = < 59
( 3 ) B = 80-89 ( 1 ) D = 60-69
VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN
Determination: Whichever students has the highest and second highest GPA and is in good standing ( this criteria will take place with the class of 2007 ). All transferring in students must be enrolled at CCS for their Junior and Senior years to be eligible for Valedictorian or Salutatorian. Yearly calculations are performed at the conclusion of the 7th semester. Student speeches must be submitted to administration two weeks prior to graduation for approval.
STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAM
CCS participates in a number of standardized testing programs. These programs provide data for evaluation of local instructional methods as well as student retention. These tests are also used as measures for post-secondary opportunities. The testing program at CCS does NOT function as an intelligence test, nor were the individual test designed to be used in this capacity. The CCS testing program serves as a feedback mechanism and is used as a small factor in the overall evaluation of students and instructional effectiveness. All CCS students participate in spring standardized testing which is nationally normed as well as locally normed with all other schools involved with ORUEF.
CCS also participates in ACT’s EPAS ( Educational Planning and Assessment System), which is an integrated series of assessment programs that includes EXPLORE, PLAN, and the ACT.
EXPLORE serves as an entry point into the secondary level and is given to all 8th grade students. The PLAN program is given to all 10th grade students.
Before graduation, all seniors must have on file a copy of the ACT results taken during their senior year.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarship. This program is regarded as one of the highest academic honors attainable by U.S. high school students. To participate in the NMSP a student must:
-
take the PSAT/NMSQT no later than the third year of high
school.
-
be enrolled full time as a high school student and progressing
toward completion of high school.
-
be a citizen of the United States
In addition to being awarded a Merit Scholarship, finalists are eligible for numerous other post secondary financial opportunities
HOMEWORK
The purpose and amount of homework differs depending upon the grade level of the student. Younger elementary students have homework designed to practice skills taught in class. Homework gets more difficult when one advances into the later years of upper elementary, jr. high, and high school. At this level, students should be taking the responsibility for their own learning. The general function of homework is to help your child become a self-directed, independent learner. Homework reinforces academic skills, develops self-discipline, and teaches responsibility and the wise use of time. Students are expected to study material learned in class and to do independent work at home. It is important that students in high school learn to take responsibility for their own studies and assignments. Some keys to a successful study system include:
-keep lecture notes and homework organized
-have a set time to work on studies and assignments
-create a well-lit study area
-don’t study in bed, sit at a table or desk
-parents and students should be familiar with teacher homework policies
DELINQUENT/MAKE-UP WORK
All work missed due to absence must be completed. The quantity of days allowed for make-up work is equivalent to the number of days absent. Students who are absent on test or quiz days will be required to take the test/quiz on the day of their return. Any credit given for delinquent daily work will be reflected in the individual course syllabus. Students who perpetually (more than 3 times per 9 weeks) turn in late work will no longer be given any credit for work not turned in on time. Major articles of work (projects, essays, speeches) will not be accepted late. It is advisable for each parent to be informed as to the classroom policies of each teacher. Parents and teachers are encouraged to stay informed by using the student planners as a method of communication.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS/GPA
All students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Student grade reports
( measured at progress report and report card ) that indicate a cumulative performance falling below 2.0, or who has earned an “F” performance level in any one course will be placed on academic probation. Students who continue to perform at these sub-standard levels are subject to withdrawal.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Academic eligibility requirements of Claremore Christian School are consistent with those stipulation dictated by our activities association (OSSAA) and managed by the site administrator. All questions concerning academic eligibility will defer to OSSAA policy and must meet published standards. Student eligibility is measured during a two prong time period, at the end of each semester and during the course of each semester. Eligibility runs from Monday to Monday and is reported to the main office by the end of the day on Friday. Minimum standards include:
1.) Semester Grades
a. A student must have received a passing grade in all subjects enrolled in
during the semester. A passing grade is defined as a grade equivalent
in which the student has earned .5 of a Carnegie Unit.
b. If a student does not meet the stipulation stated in 1-a, he/she will not
be eligible to participate during the first six weeks of the next semester.
c. A student may regain semester eligibility by achieving passing grades
in all subjects he/she is enrolled in at the end of the six week period.
d. Pupils enrolled for the first time must meet the same semester
scholastic stipulations. The passing grades required for the preceding semester will be obtained from the scholastic records from
the student’s last school attended.
2.) Student Eligibility During a Semester
a. Scholastic eligibility for students will be checked after three weeks
(during the fourth week) of a semester and each succeeding week
thereafter. Eligibility checks are done on Friday of each week.
The period and ineligibility will always begin the Monday following
The day eligibility is checked.
b. A student must be passing in all subjects he/she is enrolled in during a
semester. If a student is not passing all subjects enrolled in on the day
of the grade check, he/she will be placed on probation for the next one-
week period. If a student is still failing one or more classes during the
next week on the grade check day, he/she will be ineligible to
participate during the next one-week period.
c. A Student who has lost eligibility must be passing all subjects in order
to regain eligibility. A student regains eligibility with the first class of
the new one-week period
d. “Passing Grades” refers to work of such character that credit would
be entered on the records were the semester to close at that time.
STUDENT RETENTION
The decision to promote or retain a child at the end of the school year will be based on the child’s ability to function adequately at the next higher-grade level. Aspects to be considered will include academic progress (especially reading, language, math), presence of any learning disabilities and social maturity. Generally, the teacher will be able to predict this decision by the end of the first semester. All efforts will be made to inform parents of possible retention no later than the end of the third quarter.
CURRICULAR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The graduation requirements for Claremore Christian School meet the state of Oklahoma curricular requirements as stated in section 244 of the Educational Constitution of Oklahoma. They are summarized as follows:
1.)
Language Arts: 4 units to consist of 1 unit of grammar and composition and 3
Additional units of advanced grammar and/or Literature
2.)
Mathematics: 3 units, to consist of 1 unit of Algebra I and 2 additional units
3.)
Science: 3 units, to consist of 1 unit of Biology I and 2 additional units
4.)
Social Studies: 3 units, to consist of 1 unit of United States History, ½ to 1 unit
Of United States Government, ½ unit of Oklahoma History, and
½ to 1 additional unit.
5.) Arts: 2 units, which may include but are not limited to, courses in Visual Arts
and General Music.
In addition to these 15 units or sets of competencies of core curriculum requirements, any graduate must meet any additional institutional course requirements as established by Claremore Christian School Board of Education. Two units of foreign language are highly recommended but are not required.
VO-TECH
CCS allows students to take advantage of occupational options through a vo-tech program. Administration works with students on an individual basis but initial criteria are senior standing and students are responsible for meeting all state and institutional curricular requirements prior to graduation.
CONCURRENTMENT ENROLLMENT
Students may participate in a college concurrent enrollment program however, any credits earned in such a program are not included in the students high school transcript or GPA determination. College coursework must be taken after the high school day and all CCS curricular requirements must be met.
GRADUATION/SENIOR INFORMATION
CCS graduates 8th and 12th grades. Senior families need to have all monies paid 1 week prior to graduation in order to receive ANY copies of transcripts or graduation diploma. . ALL
SENIORS MUST HAVE ON FILE, A COPY OF THEIR ACT SCORES TAKEN SOMTIME DURING THEIR SENIOR YEAR.
CCS allows students who qualify to participate in college concurrent enrollment programs as well as occupational options through a vo-tech program. Administration works with students on an individual basis. Students are responsible for meeting all state and institutional requirements necessary for graduation.
Senior trip: A senior trip may be taken at the student’s expense. Within 5 weeks of their senior year, a class must submit to administration the elected class officers and their sponsors. Class trips must be coordinated with administration. Class trips are not a right but a privilege. This event is for graduating members of the senior class. Any student not in good standing with CCS or under discipline may not be permitted to go on the trip.