As Americans, we want to give our children the greatest opportunity for success in a global society, and that success starts with a solid education. Parent surveys conducted in the United States suggest that, for Catholic school parents, religious education and discipline are important factors when choosing a school. Where these factors once topped the list of priorities, the quality of the academic program has been the number one response for the last 10 to 15 years.
Since joining the Office of Catholic Schools as Director of Curriculum and Assessment last August, I have observed the high-quality academic program offered by the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden.
Throughout the fall of 2020, I was able to mask up and visit many of our diocesan Catholic schools. I have met teachers and students, and observed our teachers reaching students who are learning in person and remotely. At first, it is odd to observe synchronous teaching — where most students are physically in the classroom and others participate through video conferencing at the same time. While this form of teaching during COVID-19 initially brought many challenges, the result has been significant advancement in technology, promoting one-to-one programs with Chromebook and iPads.
COVID-19 has also prompted teachers to expand their knowledge of blended learning — incorporating new technology and online resources with traditional classroom experiences to better meet students’ individual needs. Platforms like Google Classroom have helped schools provide a unified approach for accessing online tools and resources and move toward a paperless environment.
As expected, COVID-19 restrictions have limited teachers’ ability to conduct many of the traditional STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) projects they may have afforded students in the past. I have been impressed with the creative ways teachers provide valuable learning experiences through STREAM demonstrations, virtual lab experiences, individualized hands-on projects, and promoting student collaboration through online platforms. These are no easy tasks. Our teachers work daily to ensure students meet the highest standard for academic achievement by fostering student self-discipline, self-motivation, responsibility and creativity.
Over the summer teachers participated in professional development in the areas of blended learning and advanced technology to prepare for our students’ return to school — whether in person or virtually. Our teachers continue to expand their knowledge and skills by continuing their education with advanced college degrees or certificates, which ensures that students are receiving instruction from some of the best and brightest in the state.
Thanks to our teachers’ dedication, creativity, and innovation, our students continue to excel academically and consistently score significantly above the national averages on standardized testing. They are assembling the tools, skills and knowledge they need to be college and career ready.
As we enter Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate the academic rigor parents value in our schools. At the same time, we know that we are only complete with the discipline, religious education, sense of community and desire to serve others that represent the full Catholic school experience. We thank the families who have chosen us for their children’s path toward success in a global world. Their journey is aligned with our vision: For students to become faith-filled adults who, guided by Gospel values, shape the world with knowledge, integrity and compassion.
Now is a great time to visit www.SouthJerseyCatholicSchools.org and find a school near you.
Dr. Robert Lockwood is Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Camden.
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