Offers case studies of "problem" students who have been motivated to learn through their interest in and talent for artistic expression. Suggests ways teachers can channel students' interests in productive ways; e.g., Individual Idea Logs (to record fantasies, doodles, inventions) and five-minute drawing breaks. (DMM)

Explores the relationship between the 1988 presidential elections in the United States and the Catholic Church's teachings on social justice, offering suggestions on class activities to encourage students to examine the positions of the candidates and their own views. (DMM)

Suggests the most important issue facing Catholic educators is whether to mirror contemporary society's individualism or act as leaven to transform it. Views such social trends as the emphasis on lifelong development, recognition of spirituality, and awareness of different styles of learning as promising for change. (BCY)

Discusses the developmental needs of young adolescents (e.g., self-exploration, meaningful participation, positive social interaction, physical activity, competency, achievement, structure, clear limits, appropriate curricula, knowledgeable and understanding educators, and integrated learning). Identifies ways Catholic schools can help meet these…

Describes the Direction 2000 program at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School in Toronto, which features large subject resource areas instead of classrooms, a schoolwide computer network developed in conjunction with Unisys Canada, computer education across the curriculum, and an automated approach to information retrieval. (DMM)

"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…

Asserts that updating teachers' technology skills is crucial to enhancing the excellence of Catholic schools. Delineates the careful planning and system of evaluation that must be set up for staff development and the implementation of training objectives. (VWC)

Describes a comprehensive human resource program, the purpose of which is to enhance the quality of Catholic education for all students. Defines the assumptions on which the formation and implementation of human resource programs for Catholic schools are based. Highlights the role and responsibilities of Catholic school system leaders. (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)

Examines historical developments following the 1971 publication of "Justice in the World" by the Rome Synod of Bishops. Describes the incorporation of the publication's ideas into American Catholic education. Indicates that the document and the ideas it included were a significant achievement in the ongoing struggle for greater social justice.…

Describes a study of Catholic school administrators to determine practices related to staff development and decision making and the importance of spirituality. Indicates that respondents' Catholic identity was at the core of their educational strategies, with faculty's faith development emphasized along with academic development. (MAB)

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)

Recounts the discussions at the five-day Bishop's Institute for Social Communication in September 1999 held in Bangkok, Thailand to study and reflect on the impact of new communication technologies for "Being Church" in the 21st century. Describes the passion with which the local Church in Asia embraces of the countless possibilities…