SPICE 2008 Focus Area Description
Design for Success: New Configurations for Catholic Schools
June 26-28, 2008
In an effort to support Catholic education in challenging times, many parishes and dioceses have created school configurations that are alternatives to the one-parish, one-school model. These new configurations pull together human and financial resources to address current realities of Catholic schools, such as, shifting demographics, affordability, financial difficulties, influential marketing, and condition of buildings.
Reconfigurations range from organizing a group of schools into a regional "consortium" run by a single administrative body to establishing one system using one name for a pre-K through 12th grade system. Reconfigurations may incorporate the schools or the system into a separate body under one entity such as a diocese, but still connected to parishes pastorally and through representatives.
At this symposium to be held on the campus of Boston College, creative new models from around the country will be showcased at this year's annual SPICE symposium, along with how they were implemented, and updates on their progress/effectiveness. Keynotes will present the latest thought and research. Participants will react and share ideas.
The school systems/configurations to be showcased are now being sought through an application and screening process. Those selected will have all expenses paid to participate in the symposium (except tavel to and from Boston College.)
Other interested educators are invited to register and take part in the conversations, for a modest fee plus the cost of on-campus housing and meals. The intent is to share ideas that can be replicated or adapted to address the needs back home.
Registration Form For the cost, complete details, and a printable registration form to attend the symposium as a participant, click here.
National Catholic Educational Association
