Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >
New Standards Will Provide Road Map for Revitalized Catholic Schools Nationwide
FREE Catholic Classes
March 12, 2012 - 9:58 PDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
1005 N. Glebe Road
Suite 525
Arlington, VA 22201
Contact Information
Barbara Keebler
Brian Gray
Phone: (800) 711-6232
E-mail: communications@
ARLINGTON, VA (March 12, 2012) - A document released in Chicago March 12 will offer, for the first time and all in one place, standards for the operation of effective Catholic schools.
The "National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools" is the result of many years of consultation among Catholic educators. The project was led by the Center for Catholic School Effectiveness (CCSE) of Loyola University Chicago and the Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education of the Lynch School of Education at Boston College with the collaboration of nine other Catholic colleges, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and others involved in Catholic education.
Although Catholic schools historically have aimed for high standards of academics and spiritual growth, the new document offers clear guidance in a full range of school-related practices that should be included in any school's comprehensive policies. It is designed as a compass, not a how-to manual.
Dr. Karen Ristau, president of NCEA, applauded the work of the educational leaders who created the standards, "The energy and vision behind the National Standards are uplifting. We now have a road map leading to a revitalized Catholic educational network for this century."
According to Dr. Lorraine A. Ozar, director of the Center for Catholic School Effectiveness at Loyola and coordinator of the project, "This is a landmark document presenting the first ever national consensus statement of effectiveness standards and benchmarks for Catholic schools."
Nine Defining Characteristics
The "National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools" set forth nine defining characteristics of Catholic schools, among them: centered in the person of Jesus Christ, distinguished by excellence, committed to educate the whole child, sustained by Gospel witness and accessible to all students.
The 13 standards describe policies, programs, structures and processes that should be present in schools operating in concert with the defining characteristics. The standards are grouped under four broad categories: mission and Catholic identity, governance and leadership, excellence and operational vitality. Each standard includes one or more benchmarks to measure adherence to the standards.
Dr. Ozar added, "It is unconscionable to ask parents to make a choice between high quality academics and faith-based education. Catholic schools have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that their school is absolutely, irresistibly excellent and deeply, authentically Catholic."
Dr. Ristau, whose organization represents nearly 7,000 Catholic elementary and secondary schools nationwide, said, "Tossing the terms 'Catholic identity' or 'Catholic education' about does not mean others know exactly what we are talking about. We cannot assume that everyone agrees what the definition holds in reality. The document presents standards and benchmarks that describe a mission-driven, program-effective, well-managed and responsibly governed school," she said. "It says exactly what a Catholic school is."
Background on the Standards
The idea for the creation of the National Standards came from Jesuit Father Michael Garanzini, president of Loyola, who urged leaders in Catholic higher education including Boston College to join with NCEA leadership to help define an excellent Catholic school. Dr. Ozar and Dr .David Prasse, dean of Loyola's School of Education, gathered Catholic educators from around the country to help identify and confirm the standards.
Dr. Ristau offered this advice to education leaders: "Read, study and discuss the characteristics and standards. Understand them and explore where they exist in your schools. Use the benchmarks to measure your accomplishments. Above all, use them to rejoice in your good work and use them to plan for the future."
NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's 200,000 members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
Contact
National Catholic Educational Association
http://www.ncea.org
VA, 22201 US
Brian Gray - Editor, (571) 451-2878
Keywords
Catholic schools, standards, benchmarks, National Catholic Educational Association, Karen Ristau
Category
Catholic Schools & Religious Education
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
More Catholic PRWire
Showing 1 - 50 of 7,177
When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT
GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT
The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT
OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT
Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT
The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT
17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT
19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT
The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT
OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT
Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT
Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT
How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT
Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT
OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT
Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT
CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT
Thérčse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT
Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT
Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT
World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT
Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT
Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT
Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT
AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT
NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT
Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT
Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT
Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT
ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT
Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT
NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT
Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT
#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT
Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT
Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT
Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT
Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT
Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT
Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT
OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT
Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT
Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT
Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT
Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT
Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT
Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT
Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT
New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT
Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
Daily Readings for Saturday, April 27, 2024
St. Zita: Saint of the Day for Saturday, April 27, 2024
Prayer for the Dead # 2: Prayer of the Day for Saturday, April 27, 2024
