Presents an interview with Dr. Robert J. Kealey, an executive director of the National Catholic Educational Association, and an advocate for Catholic schools and educational choice. Explores the growth of National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools, and discusses the vital public policy issues facing Catholic schools. (VWC)

Discusses the debate over parental choice in children's education and the use of school vouchers. Presents the views of some important politicians and supporters who have participated in related debates over the last year. Presents findings from studies and asserts that vouchers are good for promoting parental choice. (CW)

Describes the Child Care and Development Block Grants provisions of Congress's Omnibus Reconciliation Act and the new options it will provide for funding Catholic education. Highlights the act's establishment of the primacy of parental choice and its avoidance of privileged preference for public school prekindergarten programs. (DMM)

Describes the importance of and events that occur during the annual School Choice Day, which seeks to heighten awareness of school choice among parents and the public. School Choice Day is especially valuable in teaching students democratic principles, such as the value of getting involved in the political processes and in standing up for what…

Recounts the landmark case of Pierce v. Society of Sisters. Reminds readers that parental choice of an appropriate education for their children is a constitutional right and liberty under law and must be sustained. Asserts that true choice will occur only when consensus on public funding issues of school choice (including private and Catholic…

Explains "educational choice," a funding policy giving parents the option to select their child's educational environment without financial penalty, and its importance to the American educational system. Suggests activities for supporters of educational choice, including raising awareness, dispelling misinformation, encouraging others to act, and…

Reviews federal laws and Supreme Court rulings on aid to nonpublic schools. Contends the current wave of school choice legislation is limited to nonsectarian private schools. Supports the National Catholic Educational Association's agenda for political action and public policy in pursuit of funding for nonpublic schools. (RAJ)

Discusses the role that Political Action Committees (PACs) have played in school choice initiatives in public school systems nationwide. Suggests that the popular sentiment is in favor of school choice but that the PACs, through their overwhelming resources, are preventing its implementation in school districts nationwide. (MAB)

Discusses the Golden Rule Insurance Company's educational choice program which assists lower-income families in sending children to private/church schools. Identifies benefits (e.g., introduction of public school choice plan, and families' sense of control over future). Answers criticisms (e.g., destroying public school system, racial motivation,…

Describes the current status of the school choice (voucher) system in Cleveland, which, in 2001, is before the U.S. Supreme Court. The author, special projects director of the Diocese of Cleveland, defends the system as a way to offer quality education to underprivileged families. Provides a brief assessment of the system. (NB)

Discusses a recent Wisconsin "school choice" initiative, under which parents may choose public, private, nonsectarian, or religious schools for their children and have state funding directed to the appropriate institutions. Argues that school choice programs empower parents to provide the best education available to their children. (MAB)

Argues that school choice should be provided to give low-income parents control of their lives and opportunities for their children's futures through access to superior educational resources. Describes the successes of two small private schools, the Sheenway School in Los Angeles and the Holy Angels School in South Chicago. (MAB)

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)