The planners at the Symposium on Catholic Education in San Francisco in 1976 structured the meeting and events leading up to the meeting to produce policy recommendations which would guide the progress of Catholic education during the next five to ten years. Comments on the process by which these recommendations came about. (Author/RK)

Begins by distinguishing between internal and external forms of assessment. Methods and criteria for internal assessment are determined by the appropriate academic and governance structures within the institution. External assessment criteria usually are determined by an entity outside of an individual institution. Examines the utility of…

Asserts that the text, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, accommodates the four periods and all liturgical rites of the catechumenal process for adults to children of catechetical age. Suggests that this formation model for catechesis helps parish directors and Catholic school principals foster true conversion in students who do not belong in…

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)

Reviews four essential factors to consider in a school marketing plan: the message, the audit, the committee, and the time frame. Argues that central to developing a marketing plan is the creation of focus groups composed of a diverse cross-section of the community to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the school. (JDI)

States that the most under-served students in Catholic schools are those with disabilities. Urges Catholic schools and educators to be more sensitive to the needs of these students and to try to adopt techniques that will help them learn more effectively. Asserts that the educator's role is to discover, value, and celebrate the uniqueness of each…

Describes a study conducted on third-year teachers in Catholic elementary schools. Identifies problems with satisfaction, including poor salaries and benefits, and the lack of autonomy and decision-making power within the school system. Urges schools to build a sense of community among teachers and administrators to help increase teacher retention…

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…

Reports on a group of advocates for school choice that took its cause to Capitol Hill and met with mixed response. States that the issue of church-state separation repeatedly comes up in arguments against school choice. Emphasizes that parents must have the freedom to choose what learning environments are best for their children. (CJW)

States that the future of the school choice movement depends upon Catholic educators working in partnership with parents, politicians, and business leaders. Reiterates Pope John Paul II's statement that parents have the right to choose their children's education according to their beliefs, and calls for special advocacy for the rights of…

Describes the national E-Rate program, which focuses on closing the digital divide in education and promoting telecommunications access for everyone. States that the program has helped many schools incorporate technology into their classrooms but that, under the Bush Administration, Catholic schools are facing funding and E-Rate implementation…

Describes the merging of a school for students with special needs with a nearby Catholic high school. States that the Best Buddies program pairs a high school student with a special needs student in a mentoring type of relationship. Reports that this school-within-a-school program has been so successful that the archdiocese is expanding the…

Describes the incorporation of family-systems theory into the catechetical process by Blessed Sacrament/St. Charles Borromeo Church. This approach recognizes the role of the family in this area. Faith formation is holistic and simultaneously addresses the main areas of faith development and the context of an individual's life. Thus, family…

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)