Max Thomas Engel

Contrasting P-12 Catholic school research and research culture in Canada and the United States illuminates similarities and distinctions that can inform Catholic school advocates, practitioners, leaders, and researchers in both countries, as well as those interested in Catholic schools around the world. The differences in Canadian and American school context do not diminish the significance of the shared challenges and possibilities for Catholic school education in general and research focused on Catholic P-12 education specifically. The need and opportunity for Catholic school research, especially in relation to a research culture, is shared by both countries. Canadian and American Catholic schools would benefit from a network of practitioners and researchers coordinating needs and studies with acknowledged norms for research unique to the Catholic school setting. This culture would provide ongoing and accessible dialogue about pedagogy and practices to enhance the identity and mission of Catholic schools. This chapter’s suggestions for cultivating a Catholic school research culture in Canada and the United States, along with the possible research topics and methodologies proposed, are relevant for Catholic school educators and researchers in contexts across the Anglosphere.