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Policy Statements
NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION’S STATEMENT ON
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ASSESSMENT IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION
INTRODUCTION
The board of directors of the National Catholic Educational Association has approved a statement on accountability and assessment. This statement was developed initially by the association’s staff and elected leadership groups, in response to a request from the board’s special committee on Catholic urban education.
After the board published a strong statement in support of school choice last year, the committee observed that some who opposed the inclusion of Catholic schools in voucher initiatives have claimed that Catholic schools should be excluded because they are not accountable. Rejecting this misrepresentation, the Association’s statement on accountability and assessment makes it clear that Catholic educators in schools and parishes accept accountability to those they serve, to their sponsors and supporters, and to the Church and the civic community. For Catholic educators, academic standards and assessments are seen as useful measures, within the context of a larger framework of accountability that includes attention to spiritual growth, participation in parish and community life, and a commitment to service, in addition to academic achievement.
Speaking on behalf of thousands of Catholic educators who hold membership in the Association and the millions of students and families served by Catholic educational programs at all levels throughout the country, the National Catholic Educational Association affirms Catholic educators’ commitment to thoughtful and comprehensive measures of accountability in carrying out their mission of service to the nation and the Church.
Michael J. Guerra
President
May, 2004
A Statement by the National Catholic Educational Association
on Accountability and Assessment in Catholic Education
Rationale
Catechesis and education are vital to the church and to the nation. As catechetical and educational ministers, our responsibility is to present both the gospel message and an excellent educational program. Accountability and holistic assessment are, therefore, essential to that responsibility.
Accountability
We hold a sacred trust to educate and form the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Accountability invites members of the community to share in the process of assessing the success of catechetical and educational programs, verifying “we are who we say we are.” Accountability is essential to that sacred trust. We are accountable to:
- the Catholic community;
- civil society;
- boards/councils;
- funders;
- all whom we serve, especially students, parents, and guardians;
- our professional colleagues; and, ultimately,
- to one another.
Assessment
Assessment is a means of measuring performance. It illustrates how well we are accomplishing our stated mission, goals, and objectives to educate and form the whole person. Through an integrated system of standards and of multiple forms of evaluation, assessment measures:
- beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors which are expressions of our Catholic identity;
- content knowledge;
- student achievement (individual and group); and the
- learning and teaching environment.
These areas are assessed by both subjective and objective measures that provide information for continuous improvement toward achieving the mission. Therefore, we share catechetical and educational outcomes both publicly and within the Catholic Church community. These measures may include, but are not limited to:
- annual reports;
- financial, legal, environmental, and safety audits;
- graduation and retention rates;
- high school/post-secondary admissions;
- NCEA Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education;
- parent/teacher conferences;
- participation in parish life;
- portfolios;
- professional certification/background checks;
- regional/state/diocesan accreditation
- report cards;
- satisfaction inventories;
- standardized testing; and
- state and national testing.
Principles for Reporting
Justice demands accountability. Catechetical and educational programs must, therefore, establish principles and methods for ongoing reporting of information in a clear, accurate manner consistent with our mission, each audience's needs, and state law.
Such reporting should:
- illustrate progress toward the established goals of a strategic plan;
- demonstrate compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People;
- present testing and reporting summaries in relation to appropriate standards and benchmarks; and
- reflect diocesan, school, and graduate profiles where applicable.
As needed, additional principles for reporting can be developed, but should not:
- breach student confidentiality;
- usurp parental rights; or
- rank institutions.
Approved by the National Catholic Educational Association’s Board of Directors
April 14, 2004
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