The aim of this paper is to provide evidence-based guidance for educational practitioners and, in particular, for those in leadership positions in schools, on good practice in developing and implementing school level strategies and actions to promote an appreciation of diversity in schools and society.

Describes an interdisciplinary research effort being undertaken by the University of Dayton (Ohio) to identify successful diocesan models of educational collaboration, focusing on San Jose, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; Covington, Kentucky; Toledo, Ohio; and Erie, Pennsylvania. (DMM)

Describes a survey conducted in St. Petersburg, Florida, to answer diagnostic questions about the need for Catholic schools in the diocese. Looks at study findings and by-products, such as an increased concern for Catholic school education and community participation in educational planning. (DMM)

Highlights 1989 findings from an ongoing national study of the characteristics, functions, responsibilities, attitudes, and educational needs of parish directors of religious education. (DMM)

Examines the current status of grievance procedures at unionized and nonunionized Catholic schools based on a survey of 33 superintendents and union presidents. Discusses the extent to which Catholic schools have formal grievance procedures and the educators' attitudes regarding due process. (DMM)

Uses data from two national surveys of Catholic high schools to address what types of schools have development programs, what types of development programs do they have, and how the programs vary according to school characteristics. Finds that most schools engaged in some sort of development activity, with 84 percent undertaking fund-raising…

Reviews findings from the Assessment of Catholic Religious Education Surveys regarding students' perceptions about the schools (whether public or private) which they attend full time. Reports more positive attitudes about teachers and courses, but more negativity about discipline among students attending Catholic schools. (DMM)

Describes a study to determine the correspondence between community values about education/school and the nature of the actual structures that exist in the Catholic schools in the suburban Midwest community that was surveyed. Compares community attitudes and school structures concerning educational goals, curriculum content, educational support,…

Presents initial results from a survey of 910 Catholic high schools. Identifies positive school climate, high quality academic programs, and religious and values education as areas of excellence. Sees the development of Catholic identity, sense of community, and constituent involvement as major challenges. (DMM)

Summarizes findings from a National Catholic Educational Association study of the characteristics of excellent Catholic elementary schools. Highlights findings regarding philosophy, policies, leadership, curriculum, religious education, relationships, decision making, instructional methods and materials, finances, staffing, parents/community,…

To explore the informal socialization of beginning elementary school principals, questionnaires were sent to a population of 107 Catholic school principals in their first, second, or third year of elementary school principalship in Ohio. Usable responses from 81 (76 percent) identified the significant others and the stages of 25 selected…

A survey of about 500 employees at a Catholic, Jesuit university found significant, but small, correlations between job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and mission value congruence. The job satisfaction composite score was significantly related to the demographic factors related to job function, seniority, and position. Organizational…

The results of a survey which studied the attitudes and characteristics of Catholic youth and their parents and then compared these with the attitudes and characteristics of non-Catholic youth are presented. A total of 1,130 students in grades 5-8 from 13 Catholic schools, 613 mothers, and 352 fathers completed survey questionnaires. The data…

To assess opinions among members of the education networks of the Sisters of Mercy, a 4-part, 45-item questionnaire was distributed in 1986. Respondents represented higher education, secondary education, and elementary education. Results from major superiors of the Union and its nine provinces and each of the independent congregations are reported…

Highlights selected findings from the study, "Effective Catholic Schools: An Exploration," which combined field studies at 7 Catholic high schools and 20 elementary schools with statistical analyses of national survey data to explore factors associated with Catholic school excellence. (DMM)