From January 27 through February 2, across the nation Catholic education will be celebrated. Catholic Schools Week raises our awareness of the tremendous mission Catholic education serves in educating students as saints and scholars. Catholic schools partner with parents in fulfilling the commitment made to be their children at Baptism to be the primary teachers of the faith. Catholic schools also provide an academic education that excels in preparing students for the world today and what lies ahead.
To begin Catholic Schools Week, try this quiz to test your knowledge of Catholic School education. Answers may be found at the conclusion of this column.
- There are 175 dioceses in the United States with Catholic schools. Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York rank #1, #2, and #3 in student population. Where does the Diocese of Wilmington rank?
A. 32nd B. 45th C. 55th D. 62nd
- Catholic school enrollment in the United States is 1.8 million students. Approximately how many Catholic school students are educated in the Diocese of Wilmington?
A. 6500 B. 7500 C. 8500 D. 9500
- In the Diocese of Wilmington can be found parish, regional, diocesan and private elementary and secondary schools and early childhood centers. How many Catholic schools serve the Diocese of Wilmington?
A. 18 B. 25 C. 30 D. 36
- SAT scores continue to serve as one measure of high school seniors’ performance. In the Diocese of Wilmington, which is true?
A. Students score significantly better than the national average.
B. Students score significantly better than the Delaware average.
C. Students score significantly better than the Maryland average.
D. All of the above.
- Each year the United States Department of Education recognizes 300 public schools and 50 private schools across the nation for their outstanding educational programs. The recognition is held for five years by the selected schools. How many schools in the Diocese of Wilmington are currently National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence?
A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3
- The National Catholic Educational Association recognizes approximately 35 Catholic school educators annually with its highest honor, the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award. From among the 153,000 eligible Catholic school educators, what number of awardees have been selected from the Diocese of Wilmington over the past three years?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
- While some school districts measure instruction in terms of meeting a minimum number of instructional hours, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wilmington require a minimum number of instructional days. How many student instructional days are required of Catholic schools?
A. 160 B. 170 C. 175 D. 180
- First-year teachers in the Diocese of Wilmington must meet all requirements of teachers in public education (degree, mentoring, licensing, certification). In addition, they must attend Faith Formation classes to prepare them for the teachings and culture of a Catholic school. How many hours of additional instruction do first-year teachers receive?
A. 3 B. 7 C. 9 D. 11
- Bishop Malooly visits each Catholic school in the Diocese of Wilmington. How frequently does he visit each Catholic school?
A. every four years
B. every three years
C. every two years
D. every year
- To visit a Catholic school, to support a student’s education, to register a student, to learn more about Catholic schools, whom should you contact?
A. any Catholic school found on the www.cdow.org website
B. your pastor or associate pastor
C. the Catholic Schools Office (302-573-3133)
D. any of the above
The Diocese of Wilmington has many reasons to celebrate in this 150th anniversary year of its existence. Among the jewels in its crown are Catholic schools. Catholic schools are places where students come to Believe. Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.
Happy Catholic Schools Week!
Louis P. De Angelo, Ed.D., is Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.
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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
1 THROUGH 10 – Letter D
