Democracy needs dissent. More specifically, democracy needs citizens with "knowledge" of how to practice political dissent, a willingness to "think" about why and when such dissent is necessary, and "habituation" to the practice of good dissent. Where, then, are citizens to develop such habits? In Sarah Stitzlein's…

In this article, the author addresses many of the key points in each of the special section articles to which he responded. He observes that they are all very important pieces of research in that they clearly add important information to the existing body of research. The author notes that the articles provide insight on school climate in…

This is the second in a series of four papers which seeks to articulate theologically and practically the consequences of the ecclesial identity of the Catholic school. The series is based on the principle that the "marks" of the Church--one, holy, catholic, and apostolic--are also marks of the Catholic school, since the Catholic school is within…

This article considers the state of service and experiential learning initiatives in higher education, especially in Catholic universities. Concluding that the Catholic mission of service, education, moral values, world concerns, and ecumenism can be integrated into student experience, the essay offers a model of service ethnography. Service…

For Catholic educators, the Jubilee Year 2000 brings a valuable opportunity to help students deepen their understanding of their faith and reflect on what it means to be a follower of Jesus in a new millennium. Provides various suggestions that may help Catholic educators take this opportunity and share this important tradition. (VWC)

Shares unedited responses of male and female high school students in the Archdiocese of New York to three questions: What good experience have you had in religion classes? What should be taught in religion classes? Rank the importance of prayer and worship, basic church teachings, respect for life/human sexuality, and justice/peace studies. (DMM)

Finds that the life and writings of Thomas Merton can be quite appealing to high school and college students because he embodies and articulates the dynamic activity of God's call in his life. Merton gives voice to students' struggles to find meaning and to their difficulties in expressing their experiences of grace in their lives. (VWC)

Discusses the qualities of excellence discerned during formal visits/evaluations of the 63 Catholic elementary schools and 19 Catholic high schools in Omaha, Nebraska. Considers school climate, student attitudes, faculty development, lay/pastoral involvement, financial planning, and new initiatives. (DMM)

Reverend Val J. Peter, director of Girls and Boys Town, USA, states that loneliness is prevalent among today's children, no matter what their economic situation. Asserts that the reasons for loneliness include the growing need of parents to work, children having their own rooms, and overuse of personal technology. Asserts that Girls and Boys Town…

Examines religion's place in the social sciences, reciprocal influences of family and religion, cohesion/polarization in American Catholic families, religion in Middletown, USA, gender and religion in Canadian and American students, domestic/religious individualism and suicide, and the New Christian Right's view of the family. (BH)

Argues that students will accept and even learn from homework provided that its design takes into consideration students' learning styles and study skills. Describes an effort at an all-boys high school in Brooklyn, New York, to tailor class instruction and homework to results obtained from a Learning Styles Inventory. (BCY)

Describes results of including students with and without disabilities in the same classroom. Highlights a decrease in fear of human differences, an increase in self-esteem, growth in commitment to personal moral and ethical principles, and an increase in responsiveness toward others needs among students. Suggests ways to create an inclusive…

Three areas relative to the campus ministry are assessed: the discovery and nurture of the spirit, contemplation and action in higher education, and the ministries of faith communities. The collection of essays addresses the religious events happening within colleges and universities and the religious communities which have been formed within…

Provides information on alcoholism and codependency to help teachers identify and respond to children of alcoholics (COAs). Discusses characteristics of alcoholic homes and problems encountered by children and adult COAs. Examines survival "masks" of COAs, including hero, rebel, adjustor, clown, and caretaker. Lists organizational,…