[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 6 (Monday, February 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 355, 
honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. I am pleased to have 
voted for this bipartisan resolution when it was passed unanimously by 
the House of Representatives on January 29, 2002.
  The successes of Catholic schools can be seen around the country and 
particularly in my home district. They traditionally have a stronger 
academic curriculum, greater parental involvement, and few disciplinary 
problems. Catholic schools teach students not only of the importance of 
academic achievement, but also provide them with a perspective on life 
that promotes justice, responsibility and social service. Moreover, 
catholic schools have considerable ethnic and racial diversity with 25 
percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools are minorities. 
More children in Catholic schools, go to college, and give back to the 
community through volunteer service.
  While we are honoring the achievements of Catholic schools, we must 
also look at the reasons that students in Catholic schools are 
succeeding at greater rates than children in public schools. Dr. 
Maureen Hallinan with the Institute of Educational Initiatives at the 
University of Notre Dame is working to do just that. Dr. Hallinana is 
conducting a comparative analysis of public and non-public schools and 
their effects on student achievement. This research will identify the 
characteristics of those schools that successfully promote student 
achievement, especially for at-risk students. The results will provide 
immediate and practical input for school personnel in both the public 
and private sector in helping them design and implement educational 
reforms to improve the academic performance of all students.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I support this important resolution 
and encourage catholic schools to continue contributing to the 
development of strong moral, intellectual and social values in 
America's young people.

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