How do you know if your school is really Catholic?

Archbishop Miller asks:

How do you know that you are achieving what you say you are?

What steps are you taking to improve your effectiveness?

Should not Catholic schools engage in quality assurance to know whether they are achieving their specific mission?

What benchmarks/indicators should Catholic schools use to determine whether or not they are achieving their mission?

5 Marks of a Catholic school: Archbishop J. Michael Miller

Inspired by a supernatural vision. Schools are about preparing students for heavenly citizenship.

Founded on a Christian anthropology. Education is the perfection of children as images of God.

Animated by communion and community. Schools should have the collaboration, interaction, and environment that safeguards the priority of the person.

5 Marks of a Catholic school: Archbishop J. Michael Miller

Imbued with the Catholic worldview across the Curriculum. Catholic education should transform the way we see reality.

A place where committed Catholics teach. Catholic teachers should themselves be witnesses for Christ.

Characteristics of High Performing Schools – Malcolm Balridge

Clear and shared focus/shared vision High standards and expectations Effective school leadership High levels of collaboration and

communication Curriculum, instruction and assessment

aligned with standards Frequent monitoring and teaching and

learning Focused professional development Supportive learning environment High levels of community and

parent/family involvement

Template for school self-evaluation

A description of your school (context in which teaching and learning is taking place)

Overall effectiveness of your school Leadership and management Achievement and standards Personal development and well-being The Curriculum and the hidden curriculum The quality of provision Home/school/community links