Examines the teacher shortage in public schools and describes a survey that asked Catholic school teachers why they chose to work in a religious environment. Discusses responses, including: (1) 45% said they wanted to share the faith with their students; (2) 9% said they needed a job; and (3) 12% said that they had attended a Catholic school.…

Describes the steps being taken in the revision process of the Assessment of Catholic Religious Education (ACRE): revising the ACRE Religious Knowledge Section, development of score report forms, and program management. States that the main purpose of the revision is to support the teaching and learning environment in Catholic schools. (CJW)

Presents the Diocese of Paterson Schools' (New Jersey) response to the teacher shortage experienced by Catholic schools. States that in order to obtain new teachers to fill positions Paterson schools: used the National Teacher Recruitment Clearinghouse and the Armed Forces Troops to Teachers program, posted recruitment materials on Diocesan Web…

Author discusses television as a part of the larger question of mediating learning to students old or young. (GB)

Discusses the increasing need for technology-based learning within the realm of Catholic education. Poses questions to help the planning and implementation process, including: (1) how does the learning environment amplify the sense of community? and (2) how does technology support the experience of community? (CJW)

Seven catechetical theorists and practitioners (Alfred McBride, Berard L. Marthaler, Dan Keller, Mary Ann Johnston, Eileen Loughran, Matt Hayes, and Mike Carotta) discuss the significance of the new "Cathechism of the Catholic Church," which replaces the "Cathechism of the Council of Trent" -- the official catechism of the…

States that, in Catholic schools, the Gospel mission--teaching the Gospel of Jesus to students--should be present in all aspects of the athletic experience. Asserts that encouraging participation in athletics, developing a moral-based athletic program, and properly supervising sports teams are all key elements in the excellence of Catholic…

Describes a project designed to create an energy efficient high school in the diocese of Pittsburgh. The project will save over $850,000 in energy, operations, and maintenance costs over fifteen years. The design improves the physical premises as well by adding windows and eliminating fluorescent lighting. Offers tips for developing similar…

Discusses the difficulty Catholic schools face in recruiting Directors of Religious Education (DRE). Suggests that there are not enough skilled DREs to go around. Encourages schools to find talented lay people and mentor and empower them so that they can grow into the position. Presents some model approaches to the recruitment process. (NB)

Asserts that schools can be academically excellent as well as authentically Catholic by employing both academic and faith-based methods of teaching. Cites three main areas responsible for student achievement: student ability, family background, and effective organization. Describes research supporting higher achievement in Catholic schools than in…

Asserts that it is time to formalize the practices involved in integrating values into Catholic education. Presents the six-step Educational Community Opportunity for Stewardship (ECOS) system and the Catholic Education Community manual as vital components in preparing teachers for values integration. Presents conceptual and organizational…

Discusses assessment within the realm of Catholic education. States that assessment should not be limited to testing, and that there are other methods of student evaluation that are intrinsic to the classroom environment. Asserts that opportunities to exhibit excellence need to be given by teachers, and that assessment is a celebration of this…

Explains that service learning began as a way to help provide students with a better sense of civic and social responsibility, and has developed into a process enabling students to feel more connected with their communities. Lists benefits from enrollment in service-learning programs, including enhanced self-esteem, leadership abilities, spiritual…

The National Catechtical Directory will be a pastoral and practical document that will be officially issued by the American Bishops. (Author)

Describes the major issues tackled by the school board in a New Jersey Diocese. The key areas addressed were: revision and expansion of tuition assistance program, a move to president/principal model of administration for high schools, and overhaul of school policy manuals. Describes characteristics of an effective board. (NB)