Volume 5, Number 4
June, 2002
Table of Contents
Editors' Comments (p. 421)
Thomas C. Hunt, Ronald J. Nuzzi
Articles
Catholic Virtual Schools: Real Possibilities or Oxymoronic Dreams?
Jack Kelly
Newman Theological College
(pp. 422-434)
Currently, four Catholic virtual schools exist in the province of Alberta. Such educational innovation raises many questions about the definition and context of Catholic schooling. The designers of electronic educational alternatives must be aware of the need to create virtual communities within their institutions. By using theories of community building, virtual architecture, and innovative course design, many opportunities for faith development can emerge. The rapid changes in the delivery of this form of education may become a rich source of research for those interested in applying the gifts of modern technology to the traditions of Catholic education.
Jacques Maritain’s Seven Misconceptions of Education:
Implications for the Preparation of Catholic School Teachers
Mario O. D’Souza, CSB
University of St. Michael's College
(pp. 435-453)
Do Catholic educators, especially classroom teachers, operate out of a fundamentally Catholic worldview? This article explores some essential questions about teacher preparation for service in Catholic schools. Following the work of neo-Thomistic philosopher Jacques Maritain, the author examines seven misconceptions of education and their importance to the formation of Catholic educators.
An Ignatian Analysis of the Walt Disney Company: Lessons for Jesuit Higher Education
Michael P. Caruso, SJ
Loyola Marymount University
(Part II; pp. 454-487)
How do directors of mission and identity at the 28 Jesuit institutions of higher education in the United States perceive campus culture? This article reports the findings of a survey of 27 chief administrators responsible for mission and identity and seeks to use the data obtained to identify similarities and differences in advancing mission and identity between Jesuit higher education and the Walt Disney Company. Based on the survey results, suggestions are made to enhance mission and identity programming, hiring and orientation practices, and the campus culture at Jesuit institutions of higher education. Part One of this study was published as An Ignatian Analysis of the Walt Disney Company: Lessons for Jesuit Higher Education (Caruso, 2002) in Volume 5, Number 3.
Focus Section
The New Jewish Community, New Jewish Schools: Trends and Promises
Bruce S. Cooper & Marc N. Kramer
Fordham University & The Jewish Community Day School Network
(pp. 488-501)
While representing a small percentage of all private, religious schools, Jewish schools are nonetheless a significant presence on the religious landscape. This article analyzes the rapid growth of Jewish schools over the past three decades and examines possible future directions for Jewish schools.
Independent Christian Day Schools: The Maturing of a Movement
James C. Carper & Jack Layman
University of South Carolina & Columbia International University
(pp. 502-514)
Independent Christian day schools have always played a prominent role in American education. This article provides a brief historical overview of the origin of independent Christian schools; examines some of the research on their composition, success, and enrollment trends; and draws some preliminary conclusions about the ethos of such schools following a field-based observation. Catholic educators will recognize the primary challenges these schools face: financial stability and spiritual vitality.
The Adventist Schools: Development and Challenges
Lyndon G. Furst
Andrews University
(pp. 515-526)
The Seventh-day Adventist denomination operates schools and colleges around the globe. Beginning in 1853 with a small home school, the church’s systems includes over 4,500 elementary and 1,100 secondary schools, as well as 95 colleges and universities. This article briefly presents the development of this system and the philosophy that undergirds the education offered by the schools. Maintaining the unique identity of the Adventist schools is a special challenge for the future. Other challenges faced by the schools are briefly discussed.
The Generation to Come: Lutheran Education in the United States
John Isch
Martin Luther College
(pp. 527-540)
After a brief look at the historical origin of Lutheran education, this article provides an overview of contemporary Lutheran schools, educational philosophy, and future trends. The history, structure, and struggles of Lutheran education share many elements with
Catholic education.
Review of Research
Delinquency and Violence Among Girls
James M. Frabutt & Jacquelyn W. White
Center for the Study of Social Issues, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
(pp. 541-547)
Book Reviews
The Jesuit “Ratio Studiorum”: 400th Anniversary Perspectives (pp. 548-550)
Edited by Vincent J. Duminico, SJ
Reviewed by Anthony J. Dosen, CM
Negligent Liability Suits and Private School Personnel: Duty, Causation, Defenses
(pp. 550-551)
By Sarah M. Watson
Reviewed by Charles J. Russo