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)

Discusses the use of the National Issues Forum's (NIF's) town meetings in efforts to increase citizen participation in democratic processes. Describes the Catholic adaptation of the NIF approach, providing examples of its use at the high school, college, and community level. (MAB)

Draws from hearings and testimony regarding Hispanic experiences with the Catholic Church and Catholic schooling. Highlights Hispanics' feeling of non-acceptance by the church; interest in Catholic schooling; support of biliteracy and bilingual education; and concerns regarding cultural and religious maintenance, family, the law, leadership…

Discusses American Catholics' approach to political order, examining the variety of Catholic approaches to government, citizenship, and politics. Highlights six practices that reflect American Catholicism and democratic citizenship: respecting politics, promoting the common good, making politics responsive, reviving public discourse, voting…

Advocates community unification as opposed to individualism and privatization. Addresses the need for inclusion of social dimensions of faith in both Catholic education and sacramental preparation. (YKH)

Describes the Close Up Foundation, a nonpartisan civic organization, and its approaches to citizenship education. Indicates that the Foundation's goal is to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that encourage greater civic participation and that its approach stresses the diversity of participants, active learning, a balance of viewpoints,…

Examines the uses of R.I.C.E. (Responsibility, Interdependence, Creativity, and Empowerment) processes to enhance civic education programs. Highlights R.I.C.E.'s compatibility with the National Standards for Civics and Government in the areas of shared responsibility, global interdependence, dynamic creativity, and people empowerment. Includes…

Examines the importance of elementary and secondary student participation in community service activities for effective civic education and citizen development. Suggests that if commitment to service were an integral part of educational processes students would continue participating in community service programs as adults. (MAB)

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,…

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)