| National
Catholic Center for Student Aspirations Unveiled at Assumption College
Dr. Russ Quaglia, executive director
of the Global Institute for Student Aspirations at Endicott
College, addresses the crowd. |
January, 2005—Educators,
religious authorities, and members of the Assumption College community
alike celebrated yesterday, as the National Catholic Center for
Student Aspirations (NCCSA) was officially announced at a reception
event in the Atrium of the Testa Science Center.
The NCCSA is dedicated to the significance and growth of Catholic
education by enhancing teaching and learning environments in order
for elementary and secondary school students to reach their dreams
and lifelong aspirations. Drawing from the tradition of the Catholic
faith and the research of the organization, the NCCSA works with
Catholic school communities to create inspired and comprehensive
learning environments. The NCCSA establishes specific conditions
that create greater enthusiasm for learning, constructs a wide foundation
for student achievement, increases professional dialogue among faculty,
and boosts parental involvement. Proven to affect the development
of student aspirations, the program uses Eight Conditions as its
framework. These conditions are: Belonging; Heroes; Sense of Accomplishment;
Fun & Excitement; Curiosity & Creativity; Spirit of Adventure;
Leadership & Responsibility; and Confidence to Take Action.
The event began with an invocation by Most Rev. Robert J. McManus,
D.D., S.T.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester. Dr. Thomas Plough,
president of Assumption, then followed with opening remarks, which
stated Assumption's goals and visions relating to the new national
center.
"This center is strategically designed to both enhance the
awareness of Assumption College as an excellent Catholic liberal
arts college to a much wider geography, and to serve as a mission-related
outreach program of the College which addresses real needs in Catholic
schools," he said.
Dr. Plough then introduced Dr. Russell Quaglia, executive director
of the Global Institute for Student Aspirations at Endicott College.
The National Catholic Center for Student Aspirations stemmed from
the research and teachings of Dr. Quaglia, who was described as
"America's foremost authority on the development and achievement
of student aspirations" by NBC's Today Show. Dr. Quaglia
is a 1980 graduate of Assumption College.
Dr. Quaglia led the crowd through Eight Conditions of the NCCSA's
work, giving relevant, humorous examples and analogies of his work
with students. His enthusiasm and passion for the program was evident
through his words, as he captivated his audience.
"Students have the ability to set goals for their future, and
they need to be inspired along the way, to get there," Dr.
Quaglia said.
Kristin Melley, associate director of the NCCSA, described the school
partnerships that the NCCSA has already established.
"The NCCSA offers support to schools in their efforts to improve
their learning environments and clarify their Catholic identity,"
she said. "We help educators comprehend the great importance
of their classroom’s and school’s implicit curriculum,
where subtle actions can send powerful messages."
Melley also stressed the importance of the parental role in the
NCCSA's teachings, as major players in their children's development.
"The NCCSA invites school parents to attend their own eight
conditions training night that highlights their vital role in the
success of this work," Melley continued. "And when parents
come to learn about Student Aspirations and integrate the eight
conditions into home life, parents are both supporting their children’s
dreams and building upon the positive changes that are taking place
at school."
Also on hand to share their NCCSA experience were three educators
from Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted School, a K-8 institution
in Waltham, MA. Principal Mary Esposito illustrated the success
and improvement she has witnessed, among her staff and in the school.
"School improvement is a challenge, but our staff has the ability
to succeed," she said. "It is so gratifying to see teachers
working together as a cohesive unit, sharing ideas and concerns
with each other."
Esposito's teachers agreed that the NCCSA's Eight Conditions had
made quite a difference in their classrooms.
"The Eight Conditions challenge you to solve problems in new
and creative ways," said longtime educator Katherine
Byrne.
Fellow staff member Vera
Bogart agreed. "I
find that I'm examining and fine-tuning my methodology in the classroom,"
she said, after revealing a story of a parent conference in which
she activated her knowledge of the material. "With this program,
students will really enjoy coming to school."
The event ended with Sr. Clare Teresa Tjader, R.A., Provincial Superior
of Philadelphia and Assumption College trustee, announcing that
the NCCSA had just been commissioned to work with St. Ignatius,
an inner-city school in Philadelphia.
For more information about the NCCSA, please visit the
website at http://www.assumption.edu/nccsa.
For an in-depth interview with Kristin Melley, associate director
of the NCCSA, click here.
|
