Enchancing the Educational Quality of Catholic Schools
ACE Curriculum and Instruction Initiative
The Task Force recalls that beginning with the research of James Coleman in the 1960s scholars have noted that in comparison with public schools, there is a significant advantage in Catholic schools, particularly for low income, minority students. Overall this Catholic school advantage still exists; however, if it is to be maintained and strengthened, and if Catholic schools are to remain vital and academically excellent, we believe they must be imbued with a culture of continuous improvement.
For this reason ACE has begun a pilot project with the Memphis and Pensacola dioceses to strengthen the curriculum and instruction in their schools. To accomplish this ACE has formed a unique partnership with Curriki, a web-based professional learning community that can facilitate contributions of curricular units from master teachers in Catholic schools that will be shared with and improved upon by teachers in all schools.
Through this exciting use of technology to share the best of our best teachers and through on-site professional development workshops focused on developing a common language that promotes sharing, ACE hopes to foster a deep culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This must be the standard for our Catholic schools if they are to continue their legacy of forming young men and women to be the faith-filled leaders of tomorrow.
For Pilot Diocese CI&A resources click here .
For more information about this initiative, please contact Sarah Lamphier at lamphier.2@nd.edu
