Describes a 2001 conference by the Education Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists which involved presentations of papers and focus groups and which convened participants to discuss and approve an updated and expanded Statement of Adventist Philosophy of Education. The statement is included in this theme issue. (SM)

Compares the educational philosophies of Hitler and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While they both emphasize physical health, mental training, and character education, Hitler's motive was to promote a diabolical agenda. The article stresses the importance of reading deeper than mere words and practices to understand any author's philosophy and…

Presents the history of Seventh-day Adventist education, examining: its founding in 1872; the closing of Battle Creek College, development of ministerial institutes, and creation of Avondale College in the late 1800s; the church-school movement; the drive to worldwide mission; founder Ellen White's educational philosophy; the move toward…

Discusses the Seventh-day Adventist educational philosophy, originated in part by founder Ellen White, who believed the basic goal of Adventist education was derived from what she considered a fundamental Biblical message: restoring human beings into the image of God. The paper concludes that this concept is the best source for a vision to drive…

Presents a fictional interview with Ellen White, founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, regarding the theological principle upon which the Adventist educational philosophy is based. This theme focuses on restoring the image of God in the human soul. The paper addresses teacher selection and training, teaching methodology, and how the…

Argues that Seventh-day Adventism needs to critically reappraise the standards of the church in light of Biblical principles and to renew its understanding of the communal nature of church, embracing its standards through a recovery of a communal consciousness that will help enhance the commitment of its young people and envision a more radical…

Explores possible reasons why the Seventh-day Adventist educational system has not drawn as widespread attention as it might, given the nature of the philosophy upon which it is based. The paper discusses the mismatch between the Seventh-day Adventist stated philosophy and actual practices (natural versus artificial curriculum, inclusion versus…

Describes the general curriculum, common to all programs, at the University of Montemorelos, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, also examining the history of the curriculum design process and the implementation process. The university's institutional curriculum is congruent with the convictions and beliefs it holds regarding higher education…

Presents version 7.8 of the Seventh-day Adventist Educational Philosophy, focusing on assumptions; philosophy; aim and mission; agencies of education; the role of Seventh-day Adventist schools, colleges, and universities (students, teachers, knowledge, curriculum, instruction, discipline, school life, and assessment); and responsibilities and…

Using data from a national study of instructional practices in 7th- through 8th-grade science classes, this study examined a subset of Christian school teachers to determine what instructional practices predominated in Christian-school science classes. Results indicated that participants used 10 teaching methods (six constructivist and four…

Examined the influence of individual religiosity on academic cheating and academic honesty among 6th- through 12th-grade Seventh Day Adventist youth. Surveys of Seventh Day Adventist students, parents, teachers, administrators, and pastors indicated that although some relationship exists between religious behavior and academic honesty, there is no…

Using focus groups, Australian researchers examined characteristics of Catholic school teachers' (N=67) faith development, noting strategies and models that supported faith development. They found eight categories of attributes characteristic of faith-filled teachers. Activities that nurtured personal growth through opportunities for inner…

Investigated relationships between Biblical hermeneutics and reading instruction in Christian elementary schools. Surveys of and interviews with teachers representing varying views examined their theoretical orientations to reading and views of Biblical authority. Results indicated teachers took a middle position in all areas assessed and viewed…

Private education in the United States has endured pressure from all sides. However, religious schooling has not only survived but is growing and thriving. The paper examines the impact of private education on trends such as quality, decentralization, and consumer choice, and outlines four private school issues that remain unresolved. (SM)

Reports a study of links between school environment and classroom environment in Catholic high schools. Students and teachers completed instruments assessing seven dimensions of school environment and seven dimensions of classroom environment. Results showed weak relationships between the two, suggesting that school environment does not…