In this episode, Shawn and Kimberly speak with Dale Ahlquist, president of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, which oversees the Chesterton Schools Network. The Chesterton Schools Network is a rapidly growing network of 56 high schools across the U.S. and internationally that are inspired by the life and ideas of G.K. Chesterton. Dale shares how his own conversion to Catholicism was heavily influenced by G.K. Chesterton, a prolific English writer of the early 20th century. Chesterton's joyful faith and use of humor to provoke deeper thinking resonated deeply with Dale. The Chesterton model of education follows a classical liberal arts approach, with an emphasis on an integrated, historical curriculum. Students engage with great works of literature, philosophy, and theology, studying them within their historical contexts. The curriculum also places a strong emphasis on formal logic and requires four years of Latin study to enhance language skills. Fine arts subjects like music, drama, and visual arts are also core components of the curriculum, fostering creativity and an appreciation for beauty. One unique aspect of the Chesterton Schools Network is its minimal use of technology, relying primarily on printed books. This intentional decision allows for richer student-teacher and peer interactions without distractions. The schools also offer sports and extracurricular activities to provide a well-rounded education experience. With small class sizes of 18-20 students, the Chesterton Schools Network is able to offer personalized attention to each student. The teaching staff includes a mix of experienced veterans and recent graduates, providing mentorship opportunities. Additionally, retired experts in various fields are invited to teach part-time, sharing their passion and expertise with students. The Chesterton Schools Network not only provides resources and training for its member schools, but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration between schools. Parental demand has been a driving force behind the network's growth, as parents recognize the benefits of the Chesterton approach for their children. Many alumni of the network's schools even return as teachers, continuing the mission of providing a classical, Catholic education. Dale concludes the episode by discussing his vision for the future of the Chesterton Schools Network. He hopes to see the network continue to spread locally through grassroots parental involvement, gradually influencing culture from the bottom up. Ultimately, his goal is for every school to adopt the Chesterton approach and provide a rich, holistic education for their students.

In this episode, we discuss the three pillars of Catholic formation: evangelization, catechesis, and education, with our guest, Mary Pat Donoghue, executive director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education for the USCCB. Mary Pat explains that evangelization and catechesis are external forces that act upon individuals, while education plays a formative role from a young age. Catholic education aims to develop the entire person, encompassing intellect, heart, and body. It goes beyond secular education by delving into the profound questions about life, humanity, and love. There is a growing emphasis from bishops on reinforcing Catholic identity in schools, as highlighted by recent Vatican documents that acknowledge the crucial role of bishops as shepherds of education. We discuss the challenges faced by young people, who are increasingly losing their faith due to perceived conflicts between science and morals. Catholic schools have a responsibility to form students to understand reality through the lens of the Church. Our conversation explores various renewal efforts within Catholic education. We learn that ideal teaching candidates possess strong backgrounds in liberal arts and philosophy, rather than just modern teaching methods. We explore the importance of customized, sensorial math and science curricula that take into account child development, rather than focusing solely on abstract concepts. We discuss how welcoming students with disabilities benefits whole school communities by reflecting God's design for human dignity. Additionally, we touch on the importance of school choice, both for affordability and for helping schools to accept all students. We also delve into a recent study that reveals that children lose their faith far earlier than most parents realize. One reason for this early loss of faith is the addictive nature of harmful technology that comes between a parent and a child. Finally, we learn how Catholic education uniquely fosters habits of mind and sacramental imagination, which are necessary for strengthening faith in the future, provided that it remains rooted in the intellectual tradition rather than secular standards. Overall, this episode highlights the importance of forming students completely in the faith and the need for renewal in what and how we teach.

In this episode, Shawn and Kimberly are joined by Paul Lazenby, president of Mother of Divine Grace School, a Catholic homeschooling organization that serves over 6,300 students worldwide. The conversation begins with Paul discussing the remarkable growth his school experienced during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with a 40% increase in enrollment. Many families, particularly those previously unfamiliar with homeschooling, were disappointed by the curriculum they encountered through virtual learning and consequently opted to continue homeschooling, with over 80% of new families choosing this path. The conversation further explores the increasing recognition of parents' role as primary educators and the transformative nature of a classical Catholic education. Paul highlights how students not only benefit academically but also form a deep bond with their faith through subjects oriented towards God. Additionally, he shares how older siblings often serve as mentors to younger ones, fostering a strong sense of family and community within the homeschooling environment. The conversation delves into the varying attitudes towards homeschooling in different countries. While some nations, such as Germany, have banned homeschooling altogether, others like Ireland and the UK have seen a rise in its popularity due to concerns about curriculum. Paul emphasizes that Mother of Divine Grace is an accredited institution, and its graduates are accepted into a wide range of colleges, including Catholic universities. For families who are unable to homeschool or lack access to good Catholic school options, the episode highlights the importance of creating a Domestic Church within the home. Paul explains that Mother of Divine Grace provides valuable support to such families by pairing them with experienced mentor moms and offering curriculum and resources. Finally, the episode explores the importance of increased father involvement in homeschooling. Paul shares his own excitement about teaching math to his son and reading classics with his daughter. Research indicates that fathers have a significant impact on children's religious faith, and homeschooling allows parents to engage in tag-team learning, further strengthening their bond with their children.

In this episode, we delve into the relationship between classical education and Catholic liberal education with Elisabeth Sullivan, the executive director of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE). Beth shares her personal journey as a mother, which led her to question the goals and philosophies underlying Catholic education. She noticed that many Catholic school curriculums were lacking in the infusion of faith and rich content, instead focusing on worksheets and testing. This prompted her to delve into different educational models to find a holistic approach. We learn that while classical education approaches are an improvement over progressive models, Catholic liberal education stands out by successfully integrating both faith and reason. While classical education draws its philosophical origins from Athens, it often neglects the teachings of Jerusalem. On the other hand, Catholic liberal education speaks to both by seamlessly integrating theology into the curriculum. Beth shares how ICLE aims to restore this vision across Catholic schools through teacher training, curriculum resources, and leadership development. She also discusses the historical context, highlighting the loss of religious sisters in the 1960s-70s, which deprived schools of educators deeply formed in the intellectual tradition. The episode also raises concerns about secular teacher certification programs, which often lack focus on pedagogy and allow ideology to influence content. To combat this, ICLE has launched an alternative licensure program through Catholic universities, empowering individuals who are well-formed in their faith to teach without secular degrees. Furthermore, Beth emphasizes the importance of daily Mass, the rosary, and feast day celebrations in modern Catholic schools. These practices not only complement classroom learning but also nurture sacramental worldviews, allowing students to connect their knowledge to their faith through community experiences. Lastly, we explore the accessibility and revitalizing potential of Catholic liberal education. Beth affirms that this model can benefit all students and has the power to bring failing schools back to life by engaging them with rich content. It also attracts homeschooling families and restores dignity and joy to teaching as a vocation. Additionally, Catholic liberal education offers evangelizing potential by countering the confusion of the modern world with truth and hope.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Catholic education with special guest Elias Moo, the superintendent of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Denver. With his wealth of experience, Moo sheds light on the importance of renewing the Catholicity of Catholic schools. One of the key points discussed is how secularization has led Catholic schools to prioritize worldly outcomes such as careers and test scores, rather than focusing on human formation according to church teachings. The COVID lockdowns have further highlighted the flaws in this approach, prompting a need for change. Another significant aspect that is addressed is the role of bishops and pastors in overseeing Catholic identity in schools. Moo argues that they have been marginalized due to an excessive reliance on professional educators. He emphasizes the importance of bishops reclaiming their position as spiritual fathers of the local church, as outlined in Church documents. Accreditation and teacher credentialing processes also come under scrutiny, with Moo suggesting that they impose secular standards without adequately considering Catholic identity. He proposes alternatives that empower bishops and prioritize robust formation over worldly qualifications. Recognizing parents as the primary educators of their children is another crucial topic discussed. Moo advocates for schools actively forming parents in their roles instead of sidelining them. He suggests that the admissions process can be utilized to start educating parents on their responsibilities. Furthermore, the conversation delves into the need for teachers and leaders to undergo formation in the Church's vision for education. This renewal of understanding would ensure a truly Catholic liberal arts education centered around freedom in Christ, rather than just skills. To cultivate a unified vision between home and school, ongoing formation programs for clergy, teachers, leaders, and parents are essential. These can include book studies, prayer groups, and other initiatives that promote a shared understanding of Catholic education. Overall, this episode emphasizes the holistic renewal of Catholic identity in all aspects of education, from mission and governance to curriculum and formation. It highlights the importance of cooperation between bishops, pastors, schools, and parents, all in line with authentic church teachings. While the COVID lockdowns brought forth challenges, they also presented opportunities for this much-needed renewal effort.

Welcome to the first episode of the Catholic Education Playbook Show! In this episode, hosts Shawn Peterson and Kimberly Begg share their inspiration for teaming up to create their new show.