ACRE 2011
This is our sixth year for implementing ACRE in all of our parish religious education programs. The assessment is mandatory for all of our parish programs for grades 5, 8, and 11. As parish DRE you are responsible to make sure that all persons in charge of these areas receive this information.
The window for participating in ACRE is any time between February 1, 2011 and May 3, 2011. All materials must be received by Computerized Assessments and Learning, LLC no later than May 6, 2011.
Please Read the Following Information Very Carefully!
Purpose of ACRE
The purpose of ACRE is to provide an evaluation tool for religion programs [not students]. It helps you to evaluate the religion curriculum, teaching methods, instructional approaches, and the goals and mission of your faith formation program.
- It is an assessment tool for you to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your parish catechetical/religious education programs;
- It is NOT a test for the students. Rather it offers you the ability to ask if your children/youth have had an “opportunity” to learn about the major teachings of the faith.
3 Phases of ACRE
There are three important phases to the assessment.
1. Preparations before ACRE
A. Curriculum Alignment Review [Appendix C of the Interpretation Manual]
The purpose of the curriculum alignment review is to enable catechetical leaders and catechists to form expectations for student learning taking into account your program’s learning objectives and grade level content. This exercise generates knowledge and ownership of their local program.
This is one of the most important features of the assessment and should not be omitted. The process is described in the ACRE Interpretation manual. DRES should schedule a time for this well in advance of the administration of the assessment.
B. Catechesis for ACRE with Parents and Students
Make sure that parents and students understand that this is NOT a test but an assessment tool that you use to help you strengthen the parish formation program. How will you do this effectively?
C. Scheduling ACRE
Your choice of a date is very important. Since ACRE is NOT a test chose a date that does not coincide with FCAT or other academic testing. Be sure that your date does not conflict with sacramental preparation or other important dates on your parish calendar.
2. Administering the Assessment
A. Make sure you and your catechists have read the Administration Manual which provides important information and helpful hints for administering the assessment.
B. Creative Ideas
One way to assist people to understand the purpose of ACRE as a tool to help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your parish program is to schedule a “Parish Assessment Night”.
Children and youth in grades 5, 8, and 11 will gather to take the assessment.
Other catechists, parents, parish staff gather at the same time to take the IFG [Information For Growth] assessment which is an assessment directed towards adults.
Begin with a pot luck dinner and or prayer.
3. After ACRE
- Review the results with catechists, pastor and others.
- Compare your expectations as a result of the alignment with the actual outcome.
- Begin planning strategies to:
- Support areas that are strong
- Address areas that are weak
- If you have participated in ACRE for several years compare the results of Grades 5-8-11.
Ordering ACRE and IFG
1. Information about the assessment is found at ncea.org. Go to the left hand column and click on Re. Educ. Assessments.
2. Here you will see the following information on placing your orders:
To place an order, contact Computerized Assessments and Learning, LLC in Lawrence, Kansas online http://ncea.caltesting.org/, telephone 1-866-406-3850, or mail in our downloadable brochure with payment.
To download our full color brochure form describing the NCEA ACRE program and containing ordering instructions, click here (Acrobat File)
3. Please note the following change highlighted on the website:
Effective July 11, Computerized Assessments and Learning, LLC
moved locations. All mail and packages should be sent to:
1202 East 23rd Street, Suite B
Lawrence, KS 66046
4. An excellent tool for understanding the assessment better is the NCEA ACRE Workshop now available in DVD.
NCEA announces the availability of the NCEA ACRE Workshop in both VHS and DVD formats. This three-part video is your guide to preparation for using NCEA ACRE, administering the instrument, and interpreting the data to improve a religion program. $20.00 for NCEA members / $30.00 for non-member. To order, contact Computerized Assessments and Learning, LLC (CAL) at 1-866-406-3850 or http://ncea.caltesting.org/.
