This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach and the Marianist characteristics as a conceptual framework to understand the experiences of six lay Marianist educational leaders during COVID-19. Findings indicate that, during the pandemic, leaders were faced with specific challenges: receiving an excess of information, facing inequity in…

Catholic schools are founded upon distinctive values; they shape school leaders' leadership approaches, which in turn influence the school community experienced by students. Yet, research is sparse where leaders' intentions intersect with the actual community. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how school leaders' approaches…

In practice, sports often play a major role in shaping the identity of Catholic schools. Theorists consider how to better integrate religious faith into sports programs. We argue that it is also imperative to investigate how the schools' catholicity influences educator-coaches experiences of sport. Based upon analysis of a phenomenological…

School choice is a research topic that is often associated with public funds supporting educational alternatives. While much of the school choice research literature focuses on this category, additional types of school choice merit examination. This study examines how Catholic parents chose high schools for their children within the geographic…

Church documents recognize that the Catholic teacher's faith, mediated through a teacher's commitment, is one of the crucial factors that guarantees the success of the Catholic school (Congregation for Catholic Education, 1977, 1982, 2007). A number of researchers support this view with their findings (Ciriello, 1987; Tarr, 1992; Tiernan, 2000).…

Through a secondary analysis of a case study on successful school leadership, this study inquired into the lived experiences and understandings of Catholic identity from the perspectives of administrators, faculty, staff, and students at one urban Catholic school in the northeastern United States. Participants generally spoke about Catholic…

In this experimental study, a national random sample of high school principals (stratified by gender) were asked to evaluate hypothetical applicants whose resumes varied by religion (Jewish, Catholic, nondenominational) and gender (male, female) for employment as assistant principals. Results reveal that male principals rate all applicants higher…

Discusses the research finding that the functional community base of Catholic schools is responsible for their effectiveness. Looks at the foundations of functional community (e.g., the religious nature of the schools and the commitment of their teachers). Considers parents' roles within this functional community. (DMM)

One of the most important questions facing Catholic schools today is how can these schools meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's culture and become a living faith community. Evidence suggests that Catholic high schools have a common mission of academic excellence, faith development, and a sense of community; academic, co-curricular, and…

Summarizes the findings of the National Catholic Educational Association's study of Catholic high school teachers' religious beliefs and practices. Compares the religious attitudes of Catholic teachers, American Catholics, and the American public; and differences in religious beliefs among Catholic lay, non-Catholic lay, and religious teachers.…

Reviews changes that have taken place in the field of career guidance. Considers the importance of curriculum infusion, group guidance processes, and community involvement in strong comprehensive programs. Discusses the distinctive qualities that career guidance in Catholic high schools should possess. (DMM)

Considers the implications of statistics on death and poverty in minority communities for Catholic high schools with large minority populations. Sees hope at the heart of the Catholic high school. Discusses how teachers, school climate, and careful curriculum design can help instill this hope in the students. (DMM)

Human sexuality programs or sex education programs have been a controversial issue for many years. This study assessed the effectiveness of human sexuality programs within Catholic secondary schools. This study investigated the effects of comprehensive or non-comprehensive sexuality programs upon students positive sexual attitudes, awareness of…

Discusses a study of a Mexican Roman Catholic high school's organizational culture, highlighting findings concerning school reform and improvement processes. The school stressed community and featured activities and values promoting student commitment to learning. Religion reinforced the school's "hidden curriculum" of good conduct and…

The more important factors responsible for the contemporary crisis in Catholic schools throughout the United States are identified. The identification is made through discussions of the following topics: (1) An overview of the socio-historic and socio-religious forces responsible for the establishment and growth of the Catholic elementary and…