Title: A resolution supporting the contributions of Catholic schools.
Policy area: Education

Summary:
This resolution supports (1) the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the contributions of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and (2) the continued dedication of Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers to academic excellence and the key role they play in promoting a brighter future.

[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 482 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 482

           Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 21, 2020

  Mr. Toomey (for himself, Mr. Rubio, and Mr. Manchin) submitted the 
 following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, 
                     Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
           Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools.

Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are internationally acclaimed for 
        their academic excellence and provide students with more than just an 
        exceptional scholastic education;
Whereas Catholic schools instill a broad, values-added education emphasizing the 
        lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values 
        in young people in the United States;
Whereas Catholic schools serve the United States by providing a diverse student 
        population, from all regions of the country and all socioeconomic 
        backgrounds, a strong academic and moral foundation, and of that student 
        population--

    (1) 39 percent of students are from racial and ethnic minority 
backgrounds; and

    (2) 19 percent of students are from non-Catholic families;

Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for parents, particularly in 
        underserved urban areas;
Whereas Catholic schools produce students who are strongly dedicated to their 
        faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually 
        stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character, and moral 
        development;
Whereas Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates 
        who hold ``helping others'' as a core value;
Whereas, during the 2018-2019 academic year in the United States, almost 
        1,800,000 students were enrolled in Catholic schools and the student-
        teacher ratio for Catholic schools was 12 to 1;
Whereas the graduation rate of students from Catholic high schools is 99 
        percent, with 86 percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges;
Whereas, in the 2005 pastoral message entitled ``Renewing Our Commitment to 
        Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium'', the 
        United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ``Catholic schools 
        are often the Church's most effective contribution to those families who 
        are poor and disadvantaged, especially in poor inner city neighborhoods 
        and rural areas. Catholic schools cultivate healthy interaction among 
        the increasingly diverse populations of our society. In cities and rural 
        areas, Catholic schools are often the only opportunity for economically 
        disadvantaged young people to receive an education of quality that 
        speaks to the development of the whole person. . . . Our Catholic 
        schools have produced countless numbers of well-educated and moral 
        citizens who are leaders in our civic and ecclesial communities.'';
Whereas the week of January 26, 2020, to February 1, 2020, has been designated 
        as ``National Catholic Schools Week'' by the National Catholic 
        Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic 
        Bishops, and January 29, 2020, has been designated as ``National 
        Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools'';
Whereas National Catholic Schools Week was first established in 1974 and has 
        been celebrated annually for the past 46 years;
Whereas 30 percent of Catholic schools have waiting lists for admission, and new 
        schools are opening across the United States; and
Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2020 is ``Catholic Schools: 
        Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, 
        an event--
                    (A) cosponsored by the National Catholic 
                Educational Association and the United States 
                Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
                    (B) established to recognize the vital 
                contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary 
                and secondary schools in the United States;
            (2) applauds the National Catholic Educational Association 
        and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the 
        selection of a theme that all people can celebrate; and
            (3) supports--
                    (A) the dedication of Catholic schools, students, 
                parents, and teachers across the United States to 
                academic excellence; and
                    (B) the key role that Catholic schools, students, 
                parents, and teachers across the United States play in 
                promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for 
                the United States.
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