Religious education test shows students lacking in church knowledge

Published: 2004-08-30

CINCINNATI (CNS) -- Catholic youths in the Cincinnati Archdiocese value their relationship with God, friends and family members, but they could use a little more knowledge about Catholicism, according to the results of a recent survey. They need to know more church history coupled with a deeper understanding of what happens in church and why. They could also use some encouragement to look at religious vocations and ongoing discussion about drugs, alcohol and healthy relationships. These conclusions are derived from an assessment tool, the National Catholic Educational Association's Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education, known as ACRE, that helps educators to identify and evaluate curriculum needs, track a group's progress and strengthen the effectiveness of religious education programs in parishes and schools. The assessment tool was first offered to Catholic schools and parish-based religious education programs in 1976 and was revised in 2001. It measures students' faith knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practices in grades five, eight or nine and 11 or 12. The evaluation is now mandated in the Cincinnati Archdiocese.

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