Going Phone-Free at School? A Resource for Parents and Schools

Going Phone-Free at School? A Resource for Parents and Schools by Clare Morell at Ethics & Public Policy Center. Phones in schools are strongly linked to poor academic performance. Math, reading, and science scores have been dropping in the United States since 2012. As of 2022, scores for the lowest performing students are at levels last seen in the 1970s. Studies show that excessive smartphone use negatively impacts grades and skill development. The mere presence of a smartphone is mentally distracting. Research shows that having a cellphone, even turned off in students’ backpacks, decreases test scores. Read

More Toddler Screen Time Brings More Tantrums, Study Finds by Ernie Mundell at U.S. News. Using tablets as 'e-babysitters' for toddlers could lead to more tantrums, which in turn can have harried parents trying to calm a child by handing them a tablet, new research shows. This type of "vicious cycle" played out during the early years of many of the Canadian youngsters tracked in the study. The bottom line, according to the researchers: "Tablet use in early childhood can disrupt the ability to manage anger and frustration and lead to increased outbursts in young children." Read

The Dangers of Technodeterminism: Transhumanism and a Catholic Perspective by Dr. Steven Umbrello at Word on Fire. In recent years, the concept of transhumanism has increasingly permeated discussions within both academic and public circles. Transhumanism advocates for using advanced technology to enhance human capabilities, aiming to transcend the natural limitations of the human body and mind. Proponents envision a future where humans can achieve superhuman intelligence, physical prowess, and even immortality. This movement is often underpinned by technodeterministic narratives, which posit that technological progress is the primary force driving societal evolution and human development. Read

10 for 10: How to Grade Seminar Participation by Andrew J. Zwerneman at Cana Academy. Humane letters seminars are a signature feature of an exceptional liberal education. They offer students a uniquely rich, dynamic, and productive way to learn at the feet of our culture’s greatest writers. At the same time, seminars pose unique challenges to teachers charged with grading their students. It turns out that the one feature that most distinguishes the seminar method—discussion—is the one feature of student work that seminar leaders find most difficult to grade. Read

New Theology of the Body Program for Middle Schoolers: An Interview with Jason Evert by Christina M. Sorrentino at Catholic Exchange. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, middle school students face a barrage of conflicting messages about their bodies, relationships, and identities. Recognizing the need for a present day faith-based approach to these challenges, Jason Evert aims to provide an up-to-date resource for young people, their educators, and parents as one of the authors and presenters of Envision: Theology of the Body for Middle School. Read

Parents: Let These Saintly Quotes Motivate You This School Year by Cerith Gardiner at Aleteia. The back-to-school frenzy can be just as exhausting for parents as it is for kids. After all, they have to make sure their children have all the supplies they need, sign them up for the right classes and activities, help navigate them through any anxieties they might be feeling, and finally, deal with getting everyone up and out early in the morning. If your children are back at school and you're already feeling a little frazzled, take inspiration from these holy men and women. Read 

Students Chalk Positive Pro-Life Messages Outside Alaska’s Largest Abortion Clinic by Theresa Bird at Alaska Watchman. Approximately 40 people gathered in front of Anchorage’s largest abortion clinic on the morning of Aug. 15 for a “Rosary Walk and Chalk,” organized by high school students from Lumen Christi and Holy Rosary Academy. Both Anchorage schools have a Students for Life chapter on campus, and thought hosting a rosary procession, followed by writing pro-life messages on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood, was a fitting project to honor the Virgin Mary on the Catholic feast day of the Assumption. Read

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Celebrates 70 Years by Kate Quiñones at Catholic News Agency. This month, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a method of catechetical learning for young students inspired by Montessori-style education, celebrates 70 years since its founding and 40 years as an official organization in the U.S. Founded by Sofia Cavalletti and inspired by the education style of Catholic educator Maria Montessori, CGS catechizes toddlers to 12-year-olds by appealing to the child’s developmental age and placing a strong focus on the child’s relationship with God. Read

College Students Lack ‘Rudimentary’ Knowledge of History, Civics: Survey by Janae Joachim at The College Fix. College students lack a “rudimentary grasp” of American history and government, as displayed in a civic literacy assessment recently conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. The 35-question survey, “Losing America’s Memory 2.0,” asked more than 3,000 students from all 50 states questions about history and government, including Senate term lengths and a quote from the Gettysburg Address, according to ACTA. The survey was conducted in June by College Pulse. Read

Throwback Thursday

Start the New School Year with Pro-Life Education by Susan Ciancio at Catholic News Agency on August 16, 2022. Judie Brown, president of American Life League, is not just passionate about protecting preborn babies, the sick, and the vulnerable. She’s passionate about teaching the importance of protecting preborn babies, the sick, and the vulnerable. She understands that, in order to build a culture of life, we must teach respect and dignity for all people—born and preborn. And the best time to start teaching this is when people are young. When children grow up with this foundation and the understanding that all human beings have value, they will be more likely to treat them with love and respect. Read