St. Mary's Elementary School is a Catholic school with a mission to develop lifelong learners through spiritual, intellectual, physical and social guidance in cooperation with families and the Catholic community. The school seeks to foster Christian values and make Catholic education available. An assessment called ACRE helps evaluate students' religious knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. St. Mary's 2009-2010 ACRE scores showed students in grade 5 were above the national average while grade 8 scores decreased and were below average. The school improvement plan includes previewing new textbooks aligned with archdiocese and ACRE standards, developing a religious terminology glossary, continuing religious beliefs in opportunities, and teacher professional development.

1. ACRE test and Catholic Schools

3. A fundamental objective of the school is to make available a Catholic education. An essential part of the educational program is furthering the knowledge and nurturing a deep sense of value of the Catholic Faith.

4. What is the ACRE? Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education (ACRE) help school, parish and diocesan leaders evaluate the faith knowledge and attitudes of students in Catholic schools and parish-based religious programs. ACRE provides faith knowledge questions related to religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and perceptions.

5. What does it measure? Scores below the 64th percentile suggest improvement is needed, scores between the 64th and 86th percentile reflect proficiency, and scores above the 86th percentile indicate advanced knowledge.

6. Link for Example Questions Questions Level 5 & 6 http://www.bestchurch.net/Questions---Level-5-6.html Questions Level 7 & 8 http://www.bestchurch.net/Questions---Level-7-8.html

7. St. Mary’s Scores 2009-2010

8. St. Mary’s Scores 2009-2010

9. What Does This Tell Us? * In Grade 5 our students were above the National Average *In Grade 8 our students decreased *In Grade 8 we were below the National Average

10. Our School Improvement Plan *Over the school year, 2011, preview new textbooks that match our Archdiocese and ACRE standards *Develop a school glossary so all students are learning the same terminology

11. School Improvement Plan *Continue to work and live our religious beliefs in every opportunity *Religion Professional Development for our teachers

12. Questions or Comments? *We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions about St. Mary’s or the ACRE [email_address]