Programs
Your School. Your Mission. Our Support.
Every Catholic school is different, and that’s exactly why our approach works.
The next few sections highlight a variety of programs, training opportunities, and resources available to all Catholic elementary schools across Minnesota. Some are open to as many as want to participate. Others have limited spots. All are built to support your unique needs and goals.
Whether you’re looking to enhance academics, increase enrollment, strengthen your team — or all of these — we’re here to help!
Literacy | Believe and Read
About the Program
Believe and Read is CSCOE’s flagship literacy program, grounded in the science of reading. In partnership with Groves Learning Organization and Lexia, it helps teachers in pre-K–8 classrooms to elevate literacy instruction through coaching, curriculum support, and professional development.
What does it include?
- The Groves Method (K-3): A structured literacy approach that explicitly teaches the connection between sounds and letters while building knowledge step by step. It pairs these proven instructional practices with ongoing coaching, giving teachers real-time support and guidance so they can implement with confidence and help all students—especially those who struggle—become strong, capable readers.
- Pre-K Groves Method: Developmentally appropriate early literacy rooted in Heggerty phonemic awareness.
- Lexia Aspire (4-8): A professional learning program that helps educators strengthen literacy instruction through practical, content-embedded training aligned to the science of reading.
Why it Matters
Believe and Read brings a consistent, research-based approach to literacy — helping students to build confidence and skills from their earliest years through middle school.
Math | Thinking Math
About the Program
Thinking Math is a professional learning and coaching program for teachers, designed to strengthen math instruction across all grade levels without replacing your school’s curriculum.
What does it include?
- Onboarding and goal-setting tailored to your curriculum and school needs
- In-person PD focused on number sense, problem-solving, and math mindset
- Ongoing classroom-based coaching and reflection
- Emphasis on the CPA model and Mathematical Practice Standards
Why it Matters
Thinking Math boosts teacher confidence, builds conceptual understanding, and creates a shared language of excellence in math.
Science | STEM
About the Program
CSCOE is launching a multi-year initiative to elevate STEM instruction and innovation across Catholic schools. It integrates faith, inquiry, and academic rigor in a strategic pathway built around standards-aligned practices.
What does it include?
- Designated STEM Champions at each school
- Campus and teacher certification opportunities provided in partnership with the National Institute of Science Education (NISE)
- Professional learning aligned with Minnesota Science Standards and 3D learning
- Integration of Catholic identity into science and STEM instruction
STEM Lending Library
In partnership with the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering, the STEM Lending Library provides access to STEM equipment, resources, and instruction built upon the strong foundation of Catholic tradition, faith, and service.
Why it Matters
STEM education strengthens creativity, collaboration and critical thinking, helping students grow into confident, future-ready leaders.
The Catalyst Approach
About the Program
The Catalyst Approach is a multi-year training and coaching model designed to improve student behavior, classroom management, and school culture.
What does it include?
- Foundational training for all staff
- Site-based coaching (3-5 visits per year)
- Tools for building inclusive, equitable, and safe learning environments
- Preschool and K-8 tracks
Why it Matters
Catalyst empowers teachers to lead calm, connected classrooms where all students can thrive.
Exceptional Learners
About the Program
This pilot program is launching during the 2026-2027 school year and aims to help schools assess and strengthen their ability to support students across the learning spectrum – including gifted and talented students, English language learners, and those who learn differently. The goal is to build sustainable systems that serve the whole child.
What does it include?
- Consultation to review systems and supports to identify strengths and areas of growth
- A school-specific short- and long-term plan for building capacity to better serve exceptional learners
Why it Matters
Serving exceptional learners requires full school buy-in from admissions and academics to staffing, space, and school culture. CSCOE is here to help your school create a practical, mission-aligned blueprint for this transformative work.
Fostering Mental Wellness
About the Program
Acknowledging that children and staff mental health is top of mind for Catholic schools, CSCOE is pulling together a task force of school leaders to dialogue around mental wellness in Catholic schools. Rooted in best practices for children and adult mental health, the purpose of this summer 2026 task force is to make recommendations to CSCOE for future programming and support. Pending the results, CSCOE intends to work to make some supports available for the upcoming school year.
Why it Matters
As needs increase, Catholic school leaders must feel equipped to foster healthy, faith-centered environments for students and staff.