Selected Programs for Improving Catholic Education
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. SPICE book series – special price order form. (For more information, scroll to the bottom.)
Design for Success I: New Configurations for Catholic Schools
June 26-28, 2008 (Looking at various successful models for merger, consolidation, consortium, regionalization, etc. to ensure a viable, high-quality Catholic education)
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.
To replicate or adapt a SPICE program that will enhance your institution, expore the descriptions of the selected programs under each topic at the links above. Each program has agreed to provide a "Dissemination Kit" containing more detailed descriptive materials, forms, checklists, etc. upon request. (A limited number of leftover CDs containing "Dissemination Kits" of all the programs for each year might be available from NCEA. To request a CD, send an email telling us what you would like and your post office mailing address to spice@ncea.org.)
Also purchase and read the Conversations in Excellence book on the topic in which you are interested.
If you then desire additional information, you may contact a program directly.
You may register and attend the next symposium, which is listed above.
If you would like to be selected as a SPICE model program, and receive a grant to attend the next "Conversations in Excellence" at Boston College free, complete the application when it is posted under the link for next year's program. (When the programs have been selected, the link will be removed.)
