The Mission of American Catholic Schools
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (2015) describes the mission of catholic schools as one where “the development of the whole person is addressed, through spiritual and academic formation based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” It is incumbent on all Catholic schools to instruct children on their responsibility, as members of society as well as members of a faith community, “to contribute to the common good by becoming active and caring members of the communities, cities, and nation in which they live.” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2015). The Catholic school mission statement communicates the school’s Catholic identity as well as the school’s commitment to faith formation, service to the faith community and academic excellence.
Faith Formation
Catholic school educators recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children. (Paul VI, 1965). Catholic schools work with parents to provide proper faith formation for students. Indeed the vitality of the Church depends on the formation of the next generation of faith leaders. A Catholic school must aspire to excellence and rigor in all subject areas. This includes instruction in religious education and catechesis. Additionally, faith formation is not limited to information in a textbook or …show more content…
Instruction should include the opportunity for direct instruction, where the teacher lays the foundation for what will come next. Direct instruction is essential. Guided practice should follow. Students need the opportunity for extended practice before they begin the journey of self-discovery and authentic application. Activities should be designed to allow students to make connections to what they are learning. Learning should be sequential and students should master and maintain previous
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (2015) describes the mission of catholic schools as one where “the development of the whole person is addressed, through spiritual and academic formation based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” It is incumbent on all Catholic schools to instruct children on their responsibility, as members of society as well as members of a faith community, “to contribute to the common good by becoming active and caring members of the communities, cities, and nation in which they live.” (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2015). The Catholic school mission statement communicates the school’s Catholic identity as well as the school’s commitment to faith formation, service to the faith community and academic excellence.
Faith Formation
Catholic school educators recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children. (Paul VI, 1965). Catholic schools work with parents to provide proper faith formation for students. Indeed the vitality of the Church depends on the formation of the next generation of faith leaders. A Catholic school must aspire to excellence and rigor in all subject areas. This includes instruction in religious education and catechesis. Additionally, faith formation is not limited to information in a textbook or …show more content…
Instruction should include the opportunity for direct instruction, where the teacher lays the foundation for what will come next. Direct instruction is essential. Guided practice should follow. Students need the opportunity for extended practice before they begin the journey of self-discovery and authentic application. Activities should be designed to allow students to make connections to what they are learning. Learning should be sequential and students should master and maintain previous