Advocates that dialogue is a tool that transforms those that are involved in it and that it can create or improve relationships. Claims that Catholic schools should teach students how to have effective dialogue skills. Gives seven suggestions on how Catholic schools can change the status quo by nurturing dialogue. (MZ)

Describes the Pursuit of Learning in Society (POLIS) program at Illinois' Quincy University Institute, part of the Institute for Learning in Retirement, which provides senior citizens with noncredit college courses. Highlights the students' role in structuring courses and activities. Discusses the educational and social benefits derived from such…

Describes the Connections Program at the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C., which helps high school students become acquainted with science and technology. Indicates that the program provides participating schools with computing and networking capabilities, allowing them to integrate computer technology into the curriculum. (AJL)

Describes the development and organization of Care Teams, an in-service program designed by the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri, to help elementary school staff deal with students from dysfunctional families. Indicates that the project works with psychologists from Saint Louis University and the community. Reviews key elements of the Teams'…

Reports on research conducted on leadership succession in New South Wales Catholic schools in order to identify potential principals using data collected from middle and senior management staff (n=943). Explains that short-term targeting of this population may be helpful, but impediments to leadership succession need to be addressed. (CMK)

Demonstrates an approach that places regression modeling strategies within a specific and well-developed framework for thinking about causality. Focuses on the Catholic school effect on learning. Provides propensity-score matching estimates of the Catholic school effect for the Catholic schooled to supplement estimates obtained by regression…

Compares the organization and effectiveness of public and private schools in New York (New York). Argues that successful schools have a large degree of autonomy and are accountable to their constituencies through the process of competition and choice. (FMW)

Describes the Critical Writing Program in the Catholic elementary schools in Arlington, Virginia, which teaches critical thinking through the process of writing. Illustrates the application of critical writing to history, science, and other subjects. Suggests ideas for "publishing" students' writing. (DMM)

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…

Examines the ways that each of three cultures (Pueblo, Hispanic, and mainstream American) expresses values and beliefs in the celebrations that engage Pueblo children throughout the year. Discusses the secrecy of Pueblo celebrations and the need for educators to use discretion when determining the legitimacy of Pueblo students' absences and…

Attitudes and practices regarding child physical punishment were surveyed in Santiago (Chile) with 423 parents from 2 public schools and 104 parents from a private Catholic school, 98 private school students in grades 7 and 8, and 84 state school students. Results showed a high prevalence of physical punishment and a high proportion of students…

Private/public school choice has existed in the Netherlands since 1900. The national government subjects public, Protestant, and Catholic school sectors to equal examination, salary, and capital investment standards. Factors influencing the existence of religious schools in an increasingly irreligious society include community church values;…

Narrates the establishment of a writing across the curriculum program at Totino-Grace High School in Minneapolis in cooperation with the University of Minnesota. Highlights current advances in networking the system via modems and the benefits to both the high school students and university researchers. (BCY)