THE CASE FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION: WHY PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND POLITICIANS SHOULD RECLAIM THE PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC PEDAGOGY

Catholic schools have long contributed to the mission of the Church and to the flourishing of society. During the past few decades, however, Catholic schools have suffered severe losses, both in their religious identity and in their capacity to attract students. In the past decade alone, the number of students in Catholic schools fell by almost twenty percent. Students in Catholic schools are more likely to believe in God than public school students, and be pro-life. At the same time, they more often use marijuana and are, on average, more sexually active. How did this happen? How can we rebuild our schools and reinvigorate our pedagogy? With penetrating insights, pointed anecdotes, and drawing upon recent empirical studies and Church documents, Ryan Topping describes the near collapse of Catholic education in North America and uncovers the enduring principles of authentic renewal. In The Case for Catholic Education you’ll discover: 

the three purposes of Catholic education

why virtue is more important than self-esteem

the elements of a true “common core” curriculum

essential differences between “progressive” and “Catholic” models of learning

helpful study questions and a research guide

PRAISE

“The Case for Catholic Education speaks to the heart of the debate over whether Catholic education is ‘worth it.’”— SISTER JOHN MARY FLEMING, O.P., Executive Director for Catholic Education, USCCB

“The Case for Catholic Education will surely play a vital role in reinvigorating the handing-on of essential Catholic truths.”— SISTER JOSEPH ANDREW BOGDANOWICZ, O.P., Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Ann Arbor, MI

“This short book contains an astonishing wealth of insights and practical suggestions.”— DR. KEITH CASSIDY, President of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy, Barry’s Bay, ON, Canada

“Ryan Topping has written an engaging and coherent analysis of the state of Catholic education in North America, which will be useful for teachers in Britain, too.”— DR. PAUL SHRIMPTON, Magdalen College School, Oxford, UK