In a global society, students educated in a dual language immersion culture graduate with significant advantages both professionally and personally, says Rosemarie Nassif, S.S.N.D., CCE executive director. “Our world benefits as dual language immersion encourages students to embrace diversity. We need citizens who embrace differences and see the value in other cultures,” Sister Nassif explains. “When students learn in two languages it positions them to value and learn about other cultures.”

Sister Nassif notes that, while parish Catholic schools have the advantage of independent site-based management systems, the disadvantage to this structure is that it can inhibit these schools from collaborating in areas ranging from the professional development of teachers and principals to curriculum and pedagogy implementation, business efficiencies and marketing. The DLI network allows schools to engage together in ways that support, challenge and celebrate growth, while partnering to address obstacles.

“Research indicates that the major school functions of educational programming, management, school-community relationships, Catholic identity, finances and enrollment are strengthened as a result of the network or school-system approach to organizing schools,” Sister Nassif says. “Research also indicates that Catholic school systems can be successful only when correctly implemented and fully supported. The LMU Center for Catholic Education is charged with supporting and advancing the network strategy to ensure its success.”