Academic Excellence

The Archdiocese of San Francisco curriculum includes rigorous standards that serve as a foundation when designing instruction for the students in our schools. The progression of learning for every student to meet and exceed these standards is provided by the ADSF Proficiency Scales. The proficiency scales provide clarity and calibration of high expectations for every student/child, are based on prioritized critical concepts, knowledge, and skills that serve as building blocks for current and future learning, and serve as the guaranteed curriculum. Proficiency scales combine overlapping and repetitive standards in an efficient and clear manner providing educators, students, and parents with a clear and consistent visible curriculum.

Instruction in the Archdiocese of San Francisco is engaging and motivating, addressing the diverse needs and capabilities of each student. ADSF educators demonstrate an understanding of high-impact research-based instructional strategies and how students progress through the curriculum. College and Career Readiness instruction includes creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking through the use of technology, tools, and a variety of materials. Educators are adaptive and respond in the moment, with in-depth knowledge and skills of their content. Faculties collaborate to continuously develop, implement and improve the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction resulting in high levels of student achievement. Professional learning is embraced to improve learner outcomes and meet the challenges of a diverse, globalized, high-tech, and rapidly changing world.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco assessment and report of progress practices are research-based that analyze, and inform student learning. Educators systematically use data to reflect on student growth and their own impact on student learning and achievement. Assessment provides a defined measurement of student growth and achievement over a designated time period, illustrating where the student’s level of mastery is at the end of the designated period of time. The level of student performance necessary to achieve mastery is clearly defined, visible, and understood by both the student and the teacher through continuous feedback and realignment.