Our Approach
IQA is a full-time elementary, middle school and high school specializing in Quran memorization and the preparation of future Muslim scholars in the United States of America.
IANT Quranic Academy (IQA) students are trained to become proficient in the standard subjects provided by the State of Texas Education Code 4.002, which include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education. In addition, all students receive intensive religious instruction in Hifz (Quran Memorization), Qiraa’ (Quranic pronunciation and recitation) and Classical Arabic Language. All courses integrate Islamic content.
Islamic Curriculum
Islamic Studies:
To reflect a “Tawhidic” approach to religious knowledge, religious content is incorporated into all course subjects and school activities. Qualitative instruction in the religious sciences (Aqa'id, Hadeeth, Tafseer, & Fiqh) will be offered upon completion of Quran memorization. The scope and sequence of our integrated Islamic studies curriculum is currently under development. Meanwhile, we have incorporated lessons from the “40 Hadeeth of Imam An-Nawawi” into our daily morning assembly to allow every student to memorize and become familiar with these famous teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Hifz (Quran Memorization):
Hifz is taught through individualized instruction that incorporates correct memorization and review of new material as well as ongoing cumulative review in accordance with individually assigned daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Goals are determined in accordance with the student's demonstrated ability to memorize. The generalized hifz program is a standard plan by which the average student may memorize a moderate portion of Quran each year beginning in Kindergarten toward completion by the end of 8th grade. The individualized plan customized for each student affords early completion for exceptional students balanced against the allowing beginning students the appropriate expectations for slower paced achievement. More information on the hifz program is available at http://www.iqa.iant.com.
Qiraa' (Quranic pronunciation & recitation):
Qiraa' is taught through individualized instruction towards correct reading and pronunciation of the Arabic letters and beautification of the Quranic recitation. Every student completes a basic course in the principles of reading Quran and progresses toward the advanced level where pronunciation and enhancement of the Quranic recital is mastered.
Classical Arabic Language:
Arabic language instruction begins in Kindergarten and continues throughout the student's career at IQA toward the goal of mastering the language of Quran and classical Islamic scholarly discourse. Integrated Islamic studies content provides the bulk of the literary focus for these classes. Beginners’ classes are provided for qualifying students at all grade levels. The Arabic language curriculum utilizes the scope and sequence provided by IQRA International Educational Foundation. Portions of Iqra's curriculum guide are available here.
Conventional Curriculum
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) provides the basic framework of the curriculum while religious and social studies content is integrated by the teacher to provide a holistic perspective.
English:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is acquired through our language arts courses as required at every grade level. Students will become excellent communicators in the English language. Components include reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and spoken language.
Mathematics:
Mathematics is taught to promote logical thinking and mathematic ability. General math is taught up until grade six with an emphasis on basic math skills. Students proceed to advanced math courses beginning with Pre-Algebra in grade 7.
Science:
Science is taught to provide an understanding of the physical world and to encourage scientific inquiry and systematic problem solving. General science includes astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and the other sciences.
Social Studies:
Social studies is taught at every grade level to encourage awareness and reflection on the human condition and to promote multicultural awareness and interpersonal understanding. The social studies include economics, geography, government/civics, history, sociology, and other social and behavioral sciences. The history of Muslims and Muslim civilizations is also emphasized at certain levels.
Physical Education (PE):
Physical education is considered a healthy component of a balanced lifestyle. In addition to learning and practicing a variety of healthy recreational activities, physical education provides an opportune time for health and social counseling, as well as sportsmanship and team-building skills.
Standardized Tests
IQA has utilized the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) published by CTB (www.ctb.com) which is a nationally recognized norm-referenced test. The purpose of this test is to allow for a third party measure of IQA’s academic program through comparisons with other students nationwide. All IQA students take this test annually in the spring.
School Performance-based Measures
The performance-based assessment system developed by our school includes the following areas of learning: English/Language Arts, Arabic/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts (Hifz, Qirah), Physical Education and Health, and Religious Studies. The assessment tasks and scoring guides (rubrics) have been chosen by the faculty and include criterion-referenced exams created by faculty and/or textbook publishers.