Lessons Learned From Urban Catholic Schools: Toolkit for Mitigating Some Negative Effects of School Closure

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Trends and Populations With Catholic Education (Table 3)

Abstract

U.S. Catholic schools had been experiencing an annual 1-2% decline in student enrollment and number of Catholic schools (MacDonald & Schultz, 2020). This decline in enrollment accelerated after the pandemic, especially for urban Catholic schools serving communities of color, some of which have permanently closed. In this study, a total of 28 participants were interviewed, specifically principals, teachers, and key stakeholders of urban Catholic schools that recently closed. They were interviewed regarding their experiences in closing schools, lessons learned, and the impact of this experience. Our analysis provides insight into many specific actions that are required to close a school in a manner that may help to mitigate some of the short-term damaging effects of the closure within the school community.

Authors

• Charles T Cownie, Boston College

• Myra Rosen-Reynoso, Boston College

• Shaun Michael Dougherty, Boston College

• Audrey A. Friedman, Boston College