Describes one educator's experiences with developing core K-8 curriculum standards that reflect the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the dimensions of the General Directory for Catechesis. Standards were applied in author's diocese. Also describes pilot year for program and offers some qualitative feedback. (NB)

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)

Reflects on the teaching of a philosophy course to candidates for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Focuses upon the exploration of interdisciplinary work and the development of new forms of teaching and learning. Comments on the failure to achieve objectives. (KO)

Considers ways in which Catholic educational leaders can help students, parents, faculty, and staff make full use of their capabilities. Highlights instructional strategies based on exploration, the development of competence, reciprocity, and emulation. (DMM)

Suggests professional art consultants as an alternative for schools that cannot afford full-time art teachers. Relates the experience of Holy Trinity Elementary School in California where artists teach art to 4th through 8th graders in the presence of a credentialed teacher. Looks at funding alternatives. (DMM)

Provides a description of the author's experiences and challenges as president of the National Catholic Education Association between 1986 and 1994. Indicates that the period, which began with the visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States, was a period of much collaboration among Catholic educators of all levels. (MAB)

Offers a model for wage negotiation for Catholic school teachers, identifying the negotiators (i.e., the diocesan bishop or his delegate, an officer of the teachers' organization/union, the diocesan superintendent of schools, and four lay persons) and their task (i.e., to negotiate a fair compensation package). (DMM)

Describes the efforts of the National Catholic Educational Association to establish connections between Russian and Lithuanian educators and the Catholic educational community in the United States. Describes the delegation's travels to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Vilnius and their interaction with Eastern European educators around in October…

Suggests that if theology professors at Catholic institutions have to get authorization from bishops in order to teach (as mandated by the Vatican's "Ex Corde Ecclesiae"), academic freedom will be lost. (EV)

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…

Highlights changes in the Catholic church over the past few decades that have broadened Catholic culture and made it more ambiguous for young Catholics. Describes ways to reach out to youth and involve them in social projects, volunteer ministries, religion teaching, nursing home visits, parish councils, choirs, and liturgical functions. (MAB)