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Faith Knowledge Assessment (ARK)
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Assessment Date 2026: TBA
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Why a standardized assessment for faith knowledge?
- This assessment is designed to be a tool to help ensure that our parish and school programs are handing subjects on the faith in an effective manner. While providing data on individual students, it also provides catechists and catechetical leaders with important data that will enable them to develop high quality programs that ultimately assist you, as parents, in passing on our faith to your children.
- The assessment is a common assessment tool for parishes across the archdiocese. The standardized test format is what allows this to be a common tool.
- This is not a pass/fail test. It has no impact on receiving sacraments or grade promotion.
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How can we assess faith?It is important to note that the assessment is just one element of a program designed to help children grow in their knowledge of the faith and deepen their relationship with Christ.
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Does a low score send a message to students that they do not love God?Every student/ parent needs to know that this assessment in no way deters from the “unconditional love of God,” but is rather one tool that helps parish programs and schools focus their efforts to meet the needs of their particular students in developing this bond of love between students and God, and deepening their commitment to Christ’s Body, the Church.
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Can parents choose to opt their child out of the assessment?
Yes, but the parish loses valuable data that helps to understand the overall strengths and weaknesses of a program. The integrity of the assessment relies on fair, ethical and comprehensive implementation of the assessment. With each student that opts out, the resulting data is diminished.
We know that some parents may not want their child to feel pressure from a religion assessment; but at the same time we know that parents entrust their children to a Catholic school or parish religious education program specifically so the child can learn the truths of the Catholic faith; assessment is a natural and normal part of the education process. Contact the teacher for opt out request.
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How is it administered?
The Assessment will be multiple choice using the Kahoot! an online learning platform.
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When will I receive the results?
Results are typically available 4-6 weeks following the assessment
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Are there special testing accommodations?If a child regularly receives testing accommodations in school, parish programs will make every effort to ensure that similar accommodations are made for that student Parents should contact the teacher or Mary E. Dilworth [email protected] for instructions.
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How should I prepare my child?
- Attend regular Sunday school class and complete assignments
- Have a good night sleep
- Eat breakfast
- Be on time
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Relax
- Encourage to do their best
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