Weekend School Best Practices

Last Modified: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:17:13 GMT v1.003

The following are some current BEST PRACTICES compiled by each track at the Muslim Weekend Schools Summit:

TRACK 1 - Program and Curriculum Development:

MEC Sunday: standard curriculum with set learning objectives for MCC/MEC in Nazirah/Tajweed, Quran/Arabic, Theology, Sirah from 1-10 grade
Bashiru Habib (Nigerian Islamic Association): Quranic reading development.
ICCD: following IQRA curriculum
ISNS: went through several curriculums, synthesized, adapted to all needs, developed a list of topics to be covered, encourage lesson plans for each topic/day-especially for substitute teachers
Masjid Al-Huda: lesson plans are in place, turned in one month ahead of time, controlled, divided well, students and parents know
AIA: first period teach young students Salah-practical demonstration (up to 7 years old)
MCC Sunday: Standardized board exam in 4th, 7th, 9th to progress to next grade and keep track of progression
Universal: Universal published books (have been using for 10 years) GREAT TOOL, recommended for teaching Islamic studies, values, etc. all at the same time (an integrated approach)
ICTD, Al-Huda-working with IQRA books, Yahiya Emerick books, I Love Islam, extra-curriculum (ie. Duas) in assembly time-awards-kid happy, study guides,
Aqsa- 6 levels (Quran, Hadith, Sirah, Arabi), Arabi spelling bee, Quran, Arabic Islamic Studies contest
MECCA: Scope/dynamic in context, teacher flexibility
IFS: storytelling (researched, had workshop and taught all age students-younger and older)
Huda: purpose based curriculum, value devoted, well-trained and certified teachers, prefer well-paid teachers who spend time preparing
Masjid Noorul Islam Br. Shehu, Harvy, IL: "catch them young"
MEC Saturday School: student-geared
McHenry County Br. Taufiq: like college, assessed at skill level, choose class,
AIA: junior/senior students-sharing lecture series, listen/comprehend/prepare questions/bring to class to be discussed

TRACK 2 : STUDENT & PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT

Encourage the parents to be in the premises- not a day care.
Adult programs in parallel sessions.
Direct involvement from parents- sign up sheet during registration.
PTA - Parent Teacher Assoc
Providing graduation gifts for secular education.
Teaching and practicing extracurricular activities.
Absenteeism call by the parents.
Recognition program
Parent Teacher conferences.
Family picnic at the end of the year.
Separate assemblies for elementary students and high school- age specific- parallel.
Get to know the parents with open communication, approachable and build relationship with parents.
Competition encourages family involvement.
Questionnaires to get evaluations and feedback from parents and students encouraged.
Parents sign the homework.
Newsletters to update parents and families.
Potluck for parents during lunch time to encourage involvement.