Blended Learning in Catholic Schools Symposium (BLiCSS 9.0)

The Blended Learning in Catholic Schools Symposium (BLiCSS) is a signature professional development event hosted by the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), bringing together leaders and teachers in Catholic education to form a unified vision for technology-enhanced instruction. Now in its ninth iteration, BLiCSS 9.0 continues a tradition of convening school and diocesan administrators, teacher leaders, instructional coaches, university faculty, and education technology partners to share best practices, examine bright spots, and tackle the real challenges of implementing blended learning in Catholic school settings. Curriculum Associates, the company behind i-Ready, is a key sponsor and participant, reflecting the symposium's strong connections to the education technology industry. Recent BLiCSS events have placed particular emphasis on the role of AI and emerging technologies in Catholic education, exploring how generative AI creates unprecedented opportunities while also raising important questions about mission alignment, ethical use, and equitable access. What makes BLiCSS distinctive is its explicit focus on the intersection of innovative pedagogy and Catholic educational mission — participants don't just learn about technology integration, they explore how to implement it in ways that serve the distinctive goals of Catholic schooling. Held in South Bend, Indiana, at the University of Notre Dame, the symposium offers a uniquely collaborative environment for Catholic educators navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology.