Asserts that the real message of the 1981 Coleman report is the importance of school social climate, whether the school is public or private. Urges Catholic schools not to imitate public schools, but to retain their "private school" climate. One of three theme articles: "Reflections on the 1981 Coleman study". (SJL)

Reviews findings from James Coleman's report, "Public and Private High Schools," comparing public and private schools with respect to curriculum, student achievement and knowledge levels, dropout rates, minority group achievement, and students' postsecondary choices. Urges Catholic school principals to provide a school climate that…

Reviews study findings showing that, in comparison to public school students, Catholic school students have higher achievement in mathematics and verbal skills, take more math and English classes, and have lower dropout-rates. Relates high achievement to the "social capital" available to Catholic school children, school staff, and the…

Presents some 1980 data demonstrating that Catholic and private high schools do have higher achievement and better course offerings than public high schools, but cautions parents to use personal values as well as statistics when selecting a school. One of three theme articles: "Reflections on the 1981 Coleman study." (SJL)

Argues that students' self-esteem must come from within. Provides strategies to help teachers create a classroom environment that allows students to build their own self-esteem, including (1) encouraging instead of praising; (2) building self-reliance; (3) creating a positive atmosphere of belonging; (4) recognizing individuality; and (5) modeling…