The Curriculum Instruction Student Achievement (CISA) group in collaboration with the Latin department is researching and exploring curriculum changes to the 3-5 Latin program. This is the final stage of the Latin curriculum review process that has taken place over the past several years. It began with the initial adoption and implementation of the Cambridge textbook and was followed by researching practices in Classical schools across the nation as well as examining the overall purpose of Latin instruction. The review process also included increasing the instructional minutes of 6th grade by removing Latin instruction for grades K-2. The purpose of the change was to better align with the recommended pacing provided by the Latin Cambridge curriculum as well as provide students with integrated Latin and grammar instruction.
The current challenges identified are the limited public-school curriculum available for School of Grammar and the difficulty of staffing elementary-level Latin. A low number of applicants and licensed Latin teachers has caused us to experience high turnover in this position.
We invite you to join us for a Gryphon Conversation to answer any questions you might have regarding the change in instruction for grades 3-5. Please submit any questions here, so we can direct them to the appropriate staff for timely answers.
The timeline is as follows:
January
- The Latin department and CISA (Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement) will review curriculum goals and evaluate the optimal mode and method of language instruction as aligned to a time-tested, Classical pedagogy; liberal arts focus; reinvestment in current programming; a logical transition into subsequent grades; and staffing and scheduling viability.
February 7
- Eagle Ridge Academy will hold a virtual Gryphon Conversation, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
- This will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions and provide feedback on the recommended change.
- You may join the Gryphon Conversation using this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 876 9690 6636 | Passcode: 623349).
February 13
- The Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors will hold a virtual Board Listening Session (5:30-6:00 p.m.) and combination workshop and meeting (6:00 p.m.)
- This is an opportunity for parents to share additional thoughts on the change with the Board.
- You may join the Board Listening Session using this Zoom link (Meeting ID: 812 4214 0622 | Passcode: ERA2020).