About 96% of youngsters in Northern Ireland are educated either in Catholic schools or in state-operated, predominantly Protestant schools. Since 1985, 40 integrated schools of all grade levels have sprung up throughout the country. At integrated schools, which maintain balanced ratios, students talk about their common history. (MLH)

Bargaining in Catholic schools is fraught with complex issues. Two cases, "New York State Employment Relations Board v Christ the King Regional High School" and "South Jersey Catholic School Teachers Organization v St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Elementary School," may help balance teachers' labor rights and theological…

Baker and Riordan express disappointment with Father Greeley's sharp comments concerning their September 1998 "Kappan" article. Their major point was that 1990s Catholic schools are no longer educating the disadvantaged, due to changing demographics. Father Greeley's second rebuttal deplores Baker and Riordan's gratuitous scholarship and…

Catholic schools' improved fortunes stem mostly from socioeconomic changes beginning in the 1970s and their role in the national debate over educational quality. A study assessing the state of Catholic education shows that Catholic common schools are becoming a system of proprietary schools that educate growing numbers of non-Catholic children…

Reports on development of a consortium, Jesuit Distance Education Network, of 24 Jesuit colleges and universities that will offer online courses. Rather than offer degrees directly, the network will act as a Web portal for participating colleges to market their online programs. Courses will emphasis Jesuit values and the teacher-student…

Describes the importance of and events that occur during the annual School Choice Day, which seeks to heighten awareness of school choice among parents and the public. School Choice Day is especially valuable in teaching students democratic principles, such as the value of getting involved in the political processes and in standing up for what…

Recounts Hill-Murray School's commitment to and involvement in the outcomes endorsement process for the past six years. Describes the steps the school took while focusing on writing as its target area goal. Also identifies a sub-population of students for writing development. Reports on a number of new initiatives in the school's curriculum.…

Describes the implementation in the Fall River (Massachusetts) Diocese of "AIDS and the Arts," an elementary school intervention program designed to increase students' decision-making capacity, broaden their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and teach responsible social behaviors. (YKH)

Describes two projects arising from an Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Education initiative that combined school and nonschool capital funds to build joint facilities. The Stratford Education and Recreation Centre and the Humberwood Community Centre demonstrate that government agencies can cooperate to benefit the community. Success depends on having…

Provides suggestions from a Catholic school principal on leading a school effectively and joyfully: (1) be fair in your dealings with students, parents, and teachers; (2) be outstanding (and out, standing where things are happening); and (3) be yourself. Emphasizes the importance of translating ideas into action designed to share God's word. (CW)

Discusses the national teacher shortage in Catholic schools. Reports findings from a survey of Catholic school superintendents conducted by the Chief Administrators of Catholic Education. Found that the most effective recruitment efforts were schools seeking teachers from within local communities through parish bulletins and word of mouth. (CJW)

States that the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has designated January as Poverty Awareness month, suggesting that the 29th of January be used to help the needy. Lists things people can do on this day. Reports that 32.3 million people living in the United States are living in poverty, a number largely made up of minorities, children,…

Reports that, at Sts. Peter and Paul School, parents are assisting with classes such as music, science, reading, Spanish, physical education, and art. States that family involvement is key to the success of a child and that the future of both children and schools look promising because of the volunteer work that is done by parents. (CW)

Discusses American Catholics' approach to political order, examining the variety of Catholic approaches to government, citizenship, and politics. Highlights six practices that reflect American Catholicism and democratic citizenship: respecting politics, promoting the common good, making politics responsive, reviving public discourse, voting…

Nativity Prep, a small, inner-city Roman Catholic middle school seeks to provide an environment that helps students excel in their studies and their personal development. The school has few discipline problems due to its small size; its strict, highly structured academic climate; its underpaid and devoted faculty; and its practice of praying…