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)

Examines aspects of Catholic education from a Canadian perspective. States that all Catholic schools should have a vision that is: (1) grounded in history; (2) shaped by a strong Catholic identity; (3) shared and guided by servant-leadership (supporting each other professionally and personally); and (4) inspired by hope (instilling values and…

Compares the 2001 and 1992 versions of the Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education tool, noting specific changes to key concept areas, including: (1) the domain "God" is expanded to "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"; (2) the domain "Church" names its four main attributes, "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic"; and (3) the new category, Church…

Asserts that developing a budget for Catholic Schools is simple, now that the National Catholic Educational Association offers financial management workshops across the nation to encourage a team approach to planning. Reports that workshops focus on creating a spreadsheet of budget projections, improving the tuition collection process, and…

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…

Discusses the national teacher shortage in Catholic schools. Reports findings from a survey of Catholic school superintendents conducted by the Chief Administrators of Catholic Education. Found that the most effective recruitment efforts were schools seeking teachers from within local communities through parish bulletins and word of mouth. (CJW)

Criticizes how Catholic schools have been forced to survive by adopting a purchase mentality. The solution is to embrace the stewardship way of life. Points out that stewardship takes a while to take effect, but once it does it will create a counter cultural attitude toward one's income and assets. (MZ)

Presents an interview with U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige, whose goals for schools are quality education and accountability. Reports that Paige plans to empower districts, schools, and parents in order to serve the needs of students, and that Paige believes private schools are an important option for parents. Discusses the voucher…

Presents Bishop Ward High School (Kansas) as a case study that has seen great improvements in standardized testing results by changing its approach. States that realignment of curriculum, adjusting instructional strategies, and accommodating students with special needs are important aspects of raising assessment scores in high schools. (CJW)

Reports that those who work as professional directors of religious education and coordinators of religious education have often been compensated with a volunteers stipend only. States that the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors met to share information on what can be done to better compensate these leaders. (CJW)

Describes the revision process that the National Catholic Educational Association's Department of Religious education is currently undergoing to update and improve its religious education assessment surveys. Factors that have prompted revision pertain to ecumenical, social justice, and human sexuality concerns and use of age-appropriate and…

States that Catholic education has proven itself to be academically excellent, and that providing children with such a first-rate education should be a top priority. Reports that, though Catholic schools serve children in the same urban, suburban, and rural areas as public schools, they do not receive as much governmental funding. Calls for a more…

Describes the new appreciation for religious tolerance within Baltimore's school system that arose during the Second World War. Looks at how American patriotism transformed the Catholic school curriculum, and how public and Catholic school programs sought to use wartime religious tolerance toward racially inclusive ends. (VWC)

Traces the history of parental rights in education since the landmark case Pierce vs. the Society of Sisters (1925), when the existence of private schools was validated. States that initiatives promoting parental choice include : (1) tax relief/credits; (2) vouchers or scholarships; (3) public school choice; and (4) home schooling. Provides a…

Asserts that all parents should have a choice in where they send their children to school. Urges public policy makers to take into consideration that funding needs to be offered equally to all of society in order to fully achieve school choice. Emphasizes the need for parent advocacy to be heightened to gain more funding and maintain parental…