Catholic Education Research Initiative

Catholic Education Research Initiative

Catholic schools combine high-quality instruction and faith formation with a formative education, going beyond subject-matter learning to foster character development in children and develop ethical citizens.听

In recent decades, however, Catholic schools have faced substantial challenges, including the transition to a lay teaching force, budget pressures, shrinking enrollment, and the closure of many schools. In order to enrich the lives of their students, Catholic schools need additional resources and improved governance models in addition to high-quality educators and leaders听who can recruit, retain, and deliver services to an increasingly diverse student population.

At Boston College鈥檚 Lynch School, we strive to contribute to the rejuvenation of Catholic schooling. Our faculty conduct high-quality research, educate excellent teachers and school leaders, and partner with educational and organizational networks. Our听Catholic Education Research Initiative focuses on finding problem-based solutions to the challenges that educators in Catholic schools face.


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Shaun M. Dougherty

Director, Catholic Education Research Initiative

Professor,听Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment听


The Lynch School is the highest-ranked Catholic school in U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 ranking of graduate schools of education.听

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