IFG-ACRE - Information for Growth- Assessment of Chirldren/Youth Religious Education General Information

What is the IFG - ACRE? Since the late 1970's NCEA has offered assessment instruments designed to strengthen catechetical/religious education programs. The ACRE helps schools, parishes and diocesan leaders evaluate the faith knowledge and attitudes of students in Catholic schools. As an integrated assessment tool, ACRE provides faith knowledge questions (cognitive domain) and questions related to religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (affective domain).

How is the ACRE part of the Strategic Plan? In the Archdiocese of Seattle, we implemented Religion Standards in 2014. The newly vetted Secondary Standards are now available to our high school theology teachers for courses 1-6. Our strategic plan calls for the final piece of this puzzle: a nationally normed test that assesses the religious and theological preparation of our students. As a multilevel, age-appropriate tool, NCEA ACRE in our Archdiocese of Seattle will be used in grade 5 (Level 1); grades 8 (Level 2); and grade 10 (Level 3). Currently, we have 5 schools administering the ACRE test and a total of 9 who have taken it in the past. We ask schools to administer the ACRE in the month of April.

Who receives the results? The local site, parish or Catholic school, will receive a group report for each ACRE leveled assessment used in a school. To assist in local professional development planning, leaders at both the school and diocese level can also request a composite summary report of all NCEA ACRE participating schools and parishes in the (arch)diocese.

How are the tests administered? Schools may choose either the on-line or the paper/pencil option.

What is the test window for the ACRE?
The test window is the the month of April.

When does my school need to implement this test?
Schools have two years to implement this assessment. Schools will be required to give the test this year April 2017 or next year April 2018.