Selected Programs for Improving Catholic Education is a project that identifies, validates, and systematically diffuses innovative Catholic elementary and secondary programs that work, so that other schools/dioceses can replicate or adapt them. It is a way to learn from one another. (For more information, scroll to the bottom.)
June 26-28, 2008 at Boston College
(Looking at various successful models for merger, consolidation, consortium, regionalization, etc. to ensure a viable, high-quality Catholic education)
Registration Form Click for details and submit this form if you would like to attend the symposium at Boston College June 26-28.
SPICE 2007 Programs
Kids at the Edge: The Perils and Potential of the Media and Technology in Catholic Education
Online book and terminology
SPICE 2006 Programs
Endangered Species: Urban and Rural Catholic Schools
SPICE 2005 Programs
Assessing Our Past, Defining Our Future
SPICE 2004 Programs
Early Childhood Education
SPICE 2003 Programs
Catholic Schools for Children and Youth in Poverty
Educating Young Adolescents
Catholic Teacher Recruitment and Retention
SPICE 2000 Theme
Integrating the Social Teaching of the Church into Catholic Schools
SPICE 1999 Theme
Forming Innovative Learning Environments through Technology
SPICE 1998 Theme
Creatively Financing and Resourcing Catholic Schools
SPICE 1997 Theme
Providing for the Diverse Needs of Youth and Their Families
SPICE 1996 Theme
Integrating Mission
WHAT IS SPICE?
Selected Programs for Improving Catholic Education is a project that identifies, validates, and systematically diffuses innovative Catholic elementary and secondary programs that work, so that other schools/dioceses can replicate or adapt them. It is a way to learn from one another.
A few programs are selected each year that are successfully addressing an area of current need with innovative approaches. Teams of three leaders from each of the current year's selected programs travel to Boston College to share their stories at the annual summer symposium called "Conversations in Excellence." From the "conversations" come additional ideas for adapting and sharing the programs to meet needs in a variety of local settings.
The entire conversations — including details of each program, and keynote presentations by nationally recognized leaders and researchers in the field — are written up as the newest volume in a series of books titled Conversations in Excellence. This makes them available to a wider audience. Programs are also showcased at the next NCEA Annual Convention, and program leaders are willing to provide individual consultations to educators who seek more information.
More About SPICE
HOW CAN SPICE BE HELPFUL TO YOU?
- Replicate or adapt a SPICE program that will enhance your institution.
First, purchase and read the Conversations in Excellence book on the topic in which you are interested.
- You may order a printed SPICE Catalogue containing a more detailed description of the SPICE project and thumbnails of the selected programs from SPICE's inception in 1996 through 2004. Descriptions of the selected programs from 2002 to the present are at the links below. A limited number of CDs containing "Dissemination Kits" from each program are also available — they contain more detailed descriptive materials, forms, checklists, etc. that were submitted by each selected program. To order, send an email telling us what you would like and your post office mailing address to spice@ncea.org.
If you then desire additional information, you may contact a program directly.
- Attend the upcoming symposium, which is listed below.
- If you would like to be selected as a SPICE model program, and receive a grant to attend the "Conversations in Excellence" at Boston College free, complete the application when it is posted under the link for next year's program.
National Catholic Educational Association
