Implementing the National Standards in Catholic Schools: Power and Promise

• In Event: Catholic Institutional Responses to Mission, Standards, and Contexts

Abstract

The National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS) were published in 2012 to serve as a guide and assessment tool Catholic school effectiveness and sustainability. The NSBECS posits that adhering to these standards and benchmarks with fidelity will result in highly effective Catholic schools. This study sought to validate the NSBECS through two national surveys: Survey 1 (2015) focused on the scope of NSBECS implementation, Survey 2 (2016) sought to better understand circumstances of implementation. Researchers used built-in logic sequences for both surveys and a mixed methods approach for Survey 2, allowing participants to describe in their own words steps taken, stakeholders involved, strategies used, and success experienced.

Authors

• Melodie Wyttenbach, Boston College

• Lorraine A. Ozar, Loyola University Chicago

• Teresa Barton

• Elizabeth Calteaux

• Cristina Joan Hunter, Boston College

• Shiya Yi, Boston College