Materials and Resources

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy employs a rich and varied set of curriculum materials and resources.  Curricula is reviewed and replaced on a six-year cycle.  Throughout the 2007-2008 school year, Social Studies teachers meet and reviewed sample curriculum materials from leading publishing companies.  Selection and purchase occurred in the spring of 2008 for implementation in September, 2008.

In the review of new curricula materials, NFA administration and faculty ask several questions to assist them in meeting current “best practices” in education.

• Do the series align with the Vision and Mission statements of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy?
• Does the scope and sequence of the series meet all Pennsylvania and national educational standards?
• Is the text student friendly?
• Is it visually appealing?
• Is it culturally sensitive? 
• Is the content, rich, current, sequential and logical?
• Does the Frye readability quotient meet grade level literacy standards?
• Are graphics, illustrations, charts, questions and directions clear?
• Do the components of the series support visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles?
• Is the series grounded on Bloom’s Taxonomy of learning?  Does it lead students from factual identification to higher order analysis, critical thinking and synthesis?
• Does the series promote cross-curriculum integration?  Can a science teacher make applications to mathematics and social studies?  Can the integrated language arts teacher make applications to art and music?
• Do the supplemental components of the series allow for learning support for students in need?  Does it allow for enrichment/extensions for gifted students? Are the supplemental materials available online?
  
• Does the student workbook/homework component allow for meaningful student activities?
• Do the instructional resources permit teachers to differentiate planning and instruction?
• Are the technology components state of the art?  Are they compatible to NFA systems?  Is there potential for future upgrades?
• Is the series web-based so that students can access the textbook online from home?
• Can parents purchase the textbook on CD rom?
  
• Is the textbook available online?
  
• Is the series linked technologically with supportive educational entities i.e. Discovery Channel, Time/Life, Smithsonian Institute, etc.?

Norwood Fontbonne Academy • 8891 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia PA 19118
Phone (215) 247-3811 Fax (215) 247-8405

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