Discusses the National Catholic Education Association's (NCEA) Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE), what specifically is being measured, and the process put in place during item and assessment development to maximize the quality and suitability of its results. Describes religious education domains and key concepts measured. (CJW)

Contends that it is important to ask the correct questions pertaining to academic programming, professional development, learning environments, and Catholic identity before setting goals for the next academic school year. Lists seven questions that might help Catholic school administrators better prepare their school for the near future. (CJW)

Sketches the political context from which "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Papal constitution on higher education, emerged. Its most controversial provisions and the reaction in American Catholic academia are examined, norms currently under discussion are outlined, and a resolution of the issues dividing academics and the Catholic hierarchy is…

Reviews the history of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), from its inception in 1899 to the present. Highlights World War I as a turning point for ACCU because of an increased impetus to improve the schools and their enrollments. States that near the middle of the century, Catholic higher education joined the mainstream,…

Asserts that development of moral character is basic to the mission of the Catholic school and is a commitment that public schools cannot make to their students. Defines character as "that lasting and distinctive part of the inner person that governs behavior through informed choices and good habits." Emphasizes teaching the Bible, and…

Contends that Catholic educators have a proven and lasting program to guide character building in their students. States that the basis for this important moral development is teaching good habits, and that the values presented in the Gospel are integrated into all curriculum areas, providing opportunities for students and faculty to reflect,…

Presents an interview with Cardinal William Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, on the exploitation of sex and violence in communications, and the Church's concern about contemporary media. Discusses specific topics such as violence on television, pornography, and what families and parishes can do to combat media's negative effects on society. (EMH)

This article offers responses from Lois K. Draina, an associate professor, Ronald J. Nuzzi, a program director, and Rachel Sara Moreno, associate professional specialist to a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) document "Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium"…

Surveyed English departments at Catholic and other higher education institutions about "Ex corde ecclesiae," a document defining Catholic higher education's mission and identity. Findings were analyzed in areas such as implementation of and faculty perceptions of "Ex corde" and the importance of Catholic identity. Found that…

States that, based on several studies, sports programs at any level of education have no more potential to develop character than any other school activity. Asserts that Catholic schools are committed to character development in every aspect of the curriculum, and that they must emphasize the potential for sports participation to foster moral…

Presents a crisis plan for schools to enact in emergencies, from the first 30 minutes after the incident to several weeks afterward. Includes: (1) recruiting the entire school staff in the plan's conception; (2) appointing a leader and a group of people responsible for carrying out specific tasks; (3) conducting a full-facility review to address…

Catholic schools in the United States today are very different from the Catholic schools that first opened in the 18th and 19th centuries. This handbook is a call to action for all Catholic elementary schools, inviting and challenging all Catholic educators to plan for the future. The volume is the first in a series of handbooks containing essays…

"Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Pope's document intended to define the relationship between the Catholic church and Catholic higher education institutions, has renewed debate on what makes a Catholic college Catholic. Over 200 colleges and universities in the United States are examining revised norms to be incorporated into the governance…

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)

Discusses how to identify a school's core values and culture. Asserts that it is the allocation of resources, not the mission statement, that reveals most about what a school deems important. States that administrators must go beyond what is outlined in the mission, paying attention to where the school places its money, and re-align its actions…