Discusses the qualities of excellence discerned during formal visits/evaluations of the 63 Catholic elementary schools and 19 Catholic high schools in Omaha, Nebraska. Considers school climate, student attitudes, faculty development, lay/pastoral involvement, financial planning, and new initiatives. (DMM)

Describes the essential mission of the Catholic Church and the important role of Catholic schools in the church's educational mission. Discusses challenges and opportunities created by the pace of current technological changes for the mission of Catholic education and argues that Catholic education must adapt methods and strategies to the times.…

Describes a Saturday program connecting parish, school, and religious education programs in events that help families bridge the gap between learning about and practicing the faith. Describes four key elements: it is easy to participate; hands-on activities are featured; activities are big and group-oriented; and "busy-work" is avoided, making…

Discusses the motivation behind and goals held for the process of catechetics and religious education in the Catholic church. Suggests that the chief goal of catechetics is to educate a person in the life of prayer and that celebration, community, and concern for others is the end product of a Christian life. (KP)

Describes results of including students with and without disabilities in the same classroom. Highlights a decrease in fear of human differences, an increase in self-esteem, growth in commitment to personal moral and ethical principles, and an increase in responsiveness toward others needs among students. Suggests ways to create an inclusive…

Describes the transformation of St. John Neumann School, in South Carolina, from a financially unstable parish school to a thriving and fully accredited institution through parent participation and the efforts of a new principal. Argues that the school's experience shows what can be achieved when families, communities, and schools commit…

Discusses the importance of educating the growing Hispanic population in Catholic schools, highlighting such effects of the high drop-out rate as underemployment, poorer health, debilitated self-esteem, decreased political participation, and increased criminal behavior. Provides examples of techniques and programs that help keep Hispanic students…

Discusses the possible benefits of the Goals 2000 program for Catholic school teachers and students. Indicates that, although Catholic schools are ineligible for Goals 2000 funding, they may benefit from the information availability, coalition building, and professional development opportunities. Suggests that Goals 2000 offers Catholic educators…

Describes programs for low-income families in Appalachia, including the Parents and Children Together program, which provides preschool lessons in a converted bread truck; the Christian Appalachian Project's infant stimulation program; and Sand Gap Elementary School's family resource center, offering a variety of parent education and child care…

Examines how religious educators can help solve world problems through educational processes founded in Christian traditions. Suggests that the Catholic church influences as much through its conduct as its teachings. Argues that religious educators must draw on tradition both for vision of world repair and sustenance for pursuing repair. (DB)

Describes the author's experiences and challenges as president of the National Catholic Educational Association between 1967-74, including the challenges of Vatican II and new developments in education. Indicates that the period, which began in financial and educational crisis, was a period of professional improvement in Catholic education. (MAB)

Discusses a 1991 study conducted to examine parents' reasons for selecting Catholic school education for their children. Suggests that survey respondents chose Catholic schools because of their quality, religious instruction, fostering of moral and social development, family tradition, dissatisfaction with public schools, and pragmatic concerns.…

Suggests that the first step toward racial equality is recognizing one's own racism. Indicates that individuals should treat others as they themselves wish to be treated, strive to correct socioeconomic inequities, and honor diverse perspectives. Suggests ways educators can achieve racial equality in their schools and ways individuals can become…

Describes an in-service teacher education program designed to address the multicultural issues faced by a 38% non-white Catholic school. Indicates that educators must decide what multiculturalism includes, how it should be implemented, and how it will affect teaching styles before implementing an in-service training program. (MAB)

Describes Vitrine 2001, an innovative computer-based learning environment at the Quebec Centre for Research in Educational Computing. Highlights program responses to educational software deficiencies; teachers' limitations in providing appropriate pedagogical support; and the need for support materials to help children get the most out of their…