Volume 11, Number 3
March 2008
Table of Contents
Editors' Comments (pp. 273-275)
Ronald J. Nuzzi, Thomas C. Hunt
Articles
Making God Known, Loved, and Served:
The Future of Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in the United States
Notre Dame Task Force on Catholic Education
(pp. 276-312)
Responses From the Field (pp. 313-332)
Thomas C. Hunt
University of Dayton
James L. Heft, S.M.
University of Southern California
Ronald J. Nuzzi
University of Notre Dame
Feelings about Math and Science: Reciprocal Determinism and Catholic School Education
Anna Cash Ghee & Jane C. Khoury
Xavier University & University of Cincinnati
(pp.333-354)
Applying Bandura’s reciprocal determinism model, differences in math and science experiences influenced by individual, gender, and school variables were investigated within 1,368 elementary students who attended 21 Catholic schools. Math and Science were evaluated positively and favored more than other academic subjects. However, advantages were found for boys by lowered math anxiety levels and favoring of math, and for large schools by lowered math anxiety levels and higher student ratings of science. No advantages were found for small schools. However, school poverty rate appeared to have a confounding effect on school size. Discussion is presented pertaining to the specific need to study Catholic school systems regarding student perceptions in light of distinguishing Catholic school factors.
Focus Section
The Upper Room:
A University-Archdiocesan Partnership to Develop Leaders for Catholic Schools
Timothy J. Cook & W. Patrick Durow
Creighton University
(pp. 355-369)
In Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB; 2005) calls on Catholic colleges and universities to work with diocesan educational leaders to prepare leaders for Catholic schools. In response, the Creighton University Education Department and the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Catholic Schools Office formed a task force that held a series of meetings in the “Upper Room” on Creighton’s campus to create a framework for leadership in Catholic schools and develop a preparation program that fulfills the framework. This article describes the task force process, framework development, and the Catholic School Leadership graduate certificate that resulted. The article concludes with observations related to the Omaha experience and thoughts about what comes next.
The Status of Teacher Introduction in Catholic Schools:
Perspectives From the United States and Canada
Barbara L. Brock & Greg Chatlain
Creighton University & Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(pp.370-384)
Catholic schools struggle with issues of teacher recruitment and retention. The experience of new teachers-both those recently graduated from college as well as those new to the Catholic sector-often impacts retention rates. This article presents a study of induction programs for such new teachers in the US and Canada, summarizes current trends, and offers recommendations for the future.
Implementing Jesuit Charisms and Core Values in Distance Education
Charles Timothy Dickel & Sharon R. Ishii-Jordan
Creighton University
(pp.385-398)
Given the ever-increasing number of students who are taking distance education courses, it seems appropriate to look beyond the explicit, academic curriculum and consider how institutional charisms and core values might be implemented in distance education courses. This article explores the incorporation of charisms and core values in distance education with particular attention to some of those of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Each of the mentioned Jesuit charisms and core values is described and operationalized in terms of distance education for secondary and higher education students. Relevant and practical examples are provided from courses currently being offered.
Book Reviews
The Catholic Experience in America (pp. 399-400)
By Joseph A. Varacalli
Reviewed by Erin E. Whalen
Growing in the Life of Faith: Education and Christian Practices, Second Edition (pp. 401-403)
By Craig Dykstra
Reviewed by Dan Carroll
New Directions in Religious Education (pp. 403-405)
By Finola Cunnane
Reviewed by Christopher J. Beza
Essential Websites for Educational Leaders in the 21st Century (pp. 406-408)
By James Lerman
Reviewed by Jim Deputy
Thriving in the Multicultural Classroom: Principles and Practices for Effective Teaching
(pp. 408-410)
By Mary Dilg
Reviewed by Mary McCoy