Catholic schools: Let's celebrate!
Monday, January 28, 2013
*Kim Pryzbylski
- How many Catholic schools operate in the Archdiocese of Miami?
- How many students are served in the schools of the Archdiocese of Miami?
- How many hours of service are annually provided to the community by students in the Catholic schools of our Archdiocese?
Of particular note this year is the recent launch of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools. This initiative will serve to ensure consistent high standards in Catholic schools across the country. In the Archdiocese of Miami, the national Standards and Benchmarks have been introduced to the Synod Education Task Force. Also, during the Professional Development Day in January, teachers and administrators participated in targeted training for implementation of the Standards and Benchmarks. The training was led by the chair of the national committee of Catholic educators who developed the benchmarks, Dr. Lorraine Ozar of Loyola University Chicago.
Now, we begin the process of implementing these national standards to ensure that each of our schools realizes its fullest potential. The standards encompass four distinct areas vital to Catholic schools: Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality. There are 13 standards and 70 benchmarks.
Because each Catholic school reflects the culture of its community, each is truly unique. Thus, as the process unfolds, each school will be at a different point in the process. Raise your hand if you are willing to join us on this exciting journey. Like our Blessed Mother, when called upon, demonstrate your personal “fiat” with a resounding “YES” to the call to service in support of our Catholic schools. Remember, it takes the entire Catholic community to support God’s gift of Catholic schools, a gift to the Church, and a gift to our nation.
Let’s celebrate!
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