November-December 2009
Front Cover
Karen Ristau explains why "safe" is an excellent reason for choosing Catholic schools.
Department of Elementary Schools
Robert Bimonte, FSC - salutes the No Child Left Behind/Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence for 2009. Of 50 private schools awarded the blue ribbon, 42 were Catholic schools (41 elementary/middle and one high school). Congratulations to them all.
William Campbell, SM - reminds us that the vocation of teacing is the gift of love made visible.
Sustaining Our Schools - this feature by Dr. Lorraine Ozar and Dr. Michael Boyle discusses the work of Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson on differentiated instruction, with a focus on content differentiation. To learn more, go to: www.luc.edu
Department of Secondary Schools
Mary Frances Taymans, SND - continues to discuss the findings of Dollars and Sense 2009, a survey of the finances of Catholic high schools.
Guest writer Fr. Mark McGregor, SJ - profiles the Posadas Project, a program for Catholic high schools that links faith, justice and immigration. Fr. McGregor is the director of Posadas, a documentary film used to help students understand immigration issues and the incarnational dimension of our faith.
Christiane Connors - examines Catholic Social Teaching and the secondary curriculum, highlighting a new Webinar on the topic offered by a partnership between NCEA's Secondary Schools Department, Education for Justice and Catholic Relief Services.
Department of Chief Administrators
Daniel Curtin - highlights the vocation of leadership and the work of Margaret Wheatley, who encourages us to focus on the incredible gift of the human spirit in each person, and not to succumb to the culture's view of people as economic units to be manipulated.
Department of Boards and Councils
Dr. Regina Haney - reviews findings in the 2009 survey of boards, and asks, "why are boards moving away from devoting time to policy-making?" Boards continue to spend time on budget, strategic planning, marketing/PR and funding.
Public Policy
Dale McDonald, PBVM - explains how Title II-A funds can be used to attend the NCEA convention, and encourages schools to apply for the E-Rate program.
Advancement
Mary Tracy, SNJM - discusses the importance of long-term donors and how to implement a recognition program of these loyal, steadfast givers.
Legal Issues
Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN - helps schools weigh the risks and benefits of social media for networking purposes.
Research
Aubrey J. Scheopner reviews the research on attrition levels of early career Catholic teachers, finding that the decision to leave happens over time and is complicated.
Back Cover
Tim Dwyer discusses the importance of strategic planning for schools in these difficult economic times. NCEA can help you with your institution's strategic planning needs.
