Argues that Catholic schools need to consider what makes a school Catholic when confronting issues of architectural design. Addresses differences in needs between elementary, middle, and high schools, and offers a case study that illustrates a successfully designed urban Catholic high school. (NB)

Explores changes that have taken place in the Catholic Church's understanding of the concepts of "religion" and "faith." Discusses the effects of these changes on the ministry of religious education. Makes suggestions concerning the development of a suitable environment and atmosphere for approaching religious education within…

Calls three lessons to be learned from John Goodlad's book, "A Place Called School," to the attention of Catholic educators: public schools are doing a satisfactory job, school climate is an important factor in satisfaction, and researchers' personal biases may influence their recommendations. (DMM)

The author insists that Catholic colleges must not acquiesce to America's cultural malaise by taking a position of moral neutrality. Rather they must join vigorously in public moral discussion and, through renewed theological and liberal arts instruction, work to produce literate graduates who are capable of ethical judgment. (SJL)

Reviews the implications of James Coleman's report, "Public and Private High Schools" for education reform and Catholic schools, focusing on issues related to free choice between public and private schools, school organization, parent involvement, and values. (DMM)

Provides an overview of the "mini-CUTE" (Cooperative Urban Teacher Education) Project at Rockhurst College -- a 7-day course for college professors in self-, cultural, and urban awareness of the psychological and economic implications of being culturally different in a city. (DMM)

Considers ways in which Catholic educational leaders can help students, parents, faculty, and staff make full use of their capabilities. Highlights instructional strategies based on exploration, the development of competence, reciprocity, and emulation. (DMM)

States that schools should be a safe haven for children and urges society to return schools to the safe, secure places they once were. Discusses the need to keep media far away from children in the event of a campus emergency and perform full background checks on all potential school employees. Reports that Catholic schools are providing…

Reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been tracking the levels of lead, which is linked to increased behavioral disorders, retardation, and anemia in children, in the United States since the 1970s. Provides statistics on the current state of chronic diseases in the U.S. and asserts that there is a need for a nationwide heath…

Addresses how the Catholic school environment and instructional program help students internalize values by fostering values growth, values formation, critical thinking skills, and skills application. Stresses the importance of faculty incorporating thinking skills and Christian values into teaching objectives and taking responsibility for…

Asserts that the real message of the 1981 Coleman report is the importance of school social climate, whether the school is public or private. Urges Catholic schools not to imitate public schools, but to retain their "private school" climate. One of three theme articles: "Reflections on the 1981 Coleman study". (SJL)

Reviews findings from James Coleman's report, "Public and Private High Schools," comparing public and private schools with respect to curriculum, student achievement and knowledge levels, dropout rates, minority group achievement, and students' postsecondary choices. Urges Catholic school principals to provide a school climate that…

The author considers various perspectives on the qualities that distinguish the Catholic school and make it a better place for education. She outlines ideals for Catholic schools presented by Vatican Council II and by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (SJL)

Explores the significant findings that have emerged from research about the human brain regarding the importance of creating a brain-compatible learning environment. Presents eight components of a brain-compatible learning environment: absence of threat, meaningful content, choices, adequate time, enriched environment, collaboration, immediate…

Urges awareness of the potential problems of drug use in Catholic schools. Suggests that educators become informed about drug use and related problems; be alert for signs of drug use; take a preventive, supportive, and educative approach; and formulate consistent policies related to drug use among students. (WL)