The Characteristics of Catholic Schools: Comparative Perspectives from the USA and Queensland, Australia

Gleeson, Jim; O’Gorman, John; Goldburg, Peta; O’Neill, Maureen

doi:10.15365/joce.2102042018

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…The Catholic Church has contributed significantly to the provision of educational opportunities to many American populations over the past two hundred years (Gleeson, O'Gorman, Goldburg & O'Neill, 2018). The past two decades witnessed a wave of school closures in many dioceses and Archdioceses in the United States.…”

Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The past two decades witnessed a wave of school closures in many dioceses and Archdioceses in the United States. Enrolment figures began slowing down by the 1990s through to the 2000s (USCCB, 2005;Gleeson et al, 2018). Many believe that good enrollment is a major contributor to a Catholic school's viability along with regular donations.…”

Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Catholic education operates a curriculum that is characterized by "academically rigorous and doctrinally sound program of education" (USCCB, 2005, p. 3). The religious affiliation of students in Catholic schools (Gleeson et al, 2018) and demography has changed (Miserandino, 2019;Schuttloffel, 2012). Diversity ensures sustainable schools (Tucker, 2016).…”

Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Catholic schools contain religion and academic orientation contents (Convey, 2012). Teachers and principals have the obligation to preserve the Catholic identity and to protect and promote the Catholic faith of their students and develop an environment or school climate that is caring, nurturing and supportive for students (Gleeson, 2017;Convey, 2012;Baccari, 2018;Gleeson et al, 2018). Hawley and Rollie (2007) indicate that accountability ensures improvement.…”

Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Catholic school is unique and effective in terms of its "sense of community" (Fuller & Johnson, 2014, p. 98). The saying of prayers, religious teachings, celebration of Mass, discipline, sacraments, Christian activities, presence of crucifixes, religious pictures, statues and others are common with Catholic schools (Convey, 2012;Gleeson et al, 2018;Baccari, 2018;Fuller & Johnson, 2014;Inglis, 2007). Convey (2012) indicates that Catholic "school's faith community is a functional community that produces social capital and is a major contributor to the effectiveness of the school" (p.190).…”

Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

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Principals’ Perceptions of Independence Mission Schools in the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia

2021

JEP

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This study is a contribution to a new model of Catholic education that has emerged in the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, USA in the past eight years. The primary purpose of the research was to understand the experiences and perceptions of principals of the establishment and 'mission' of Independence Mission Schools (IMS) in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The study was approached qualitatively and designed as a case study. Using a sample of nine IMS principals, data was collected through interviews and analyzed thematically. The study found that there is great value for Catholic education. The study also unearthed that the principals of these institutions have deep understanding of the mission and vision of the IMS including the following: That the IMS system provides a model of Catholic education, a viable alternative to other private and public education providers; provides holistic education for the poor, ensures continuity in Catholic education, provides safe, caring, and supportive environment for students. The study further discovered that the Principals adopt different strategies to accomplish the mission and vision of IMS. Additionally, IMS impacts positively on students' lives. However, limited finance, teacher turnovers, operation of schools as businesses have been challenging to the Principals' effective management of the IMS schools. The principals nonetheless have positive perceptions of IMS's future. At the same time, the principals expressed concerns about the sustainability of the IMS network. To ensure the sustainability of the IMS vision and mission, the Principals, during the study, recommended that more financial resources should be obtained, remunerations of teachers should be increased, Catholic identity should be kept in schools, improve competitive advantage, encourage good relationships, and constantly revisit the network's mandate. The study has important implications for stakeholders. Stakeholders can use the findings of the study to meet the critical needs of the IMS network. Since the study was limited to only nine principals, it is recommended that a further research may be carried out to take into account the perceptions of other key actors in the IMS network such as teachers, students, parents and board members. That way a deeper understanding of the establishment mission of the IMS might be gained.

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Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%