Renaissance and NCEA Aim to Revolutionize Student Growth Measurement in Catholic Schools

Transforming Catholic Education: Renaissance and NCEA Join Forces

The partnership between Renaissance, a leading figure in education technology, and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) marks a transformative step in how Catholic schools evaluate student growth. This collaboration aims to create a pioneering assessment tool designed to provide actionable insights into students' faith journeys, bridging gaps in knowledge and fostering holistic development.

A Fresh Approach to Assessment

As the NCEA embarks on revamping its popular Assessment of Catholic Religious Education, commonly known as ACRE, this new assessment will span grades 2 to 12. Historically instrumental in gauging the effectiveness of religious curricula and the internalization of faith by students, ACRE is set to evolve significantly with real-time data insights powered by Renaissance's innovative platform.

Insights to Drive Instruction

One of the key elements of this partnership is the introduction of a robust platform that elevates data analysis for educators and administrators. Both classroom teachers and high-ranking church officials will gain real-time insights, enabling them to make informed decisions that cater to the diverse needs of students at various stages of their faith education. Steven F. Cheeseman, EdD, President/CEO of NCEA, expressed gratitude towards FACTS, the current host of ACRE, for their continued support during this transition while also highlighting the complementary role Renaissance will play in ensuring no child is left behind.

Expanding Reach and Enhancing Learning

The collaboration allows for a massive broadening of the assessment's scope, facilitating a superior understanding of faith-based education for students across all grades. Renaissance aims to empower educators by providing them with the necessary information to address specific areas of faith knowledge that may require additional focus.

Chris Bauleke, CEO of Renaissance, spoke about the organization's mission to accelerate learning for all students. By equipping educators with data-driven tools, this partnership aligns with NCEA's commitment to meet the educational and spiritual needs of the Catholic school community.

Tailored Learning Experiences for Every Student

The joint effort promises individual student reporting along with personalized learning pathways tailored towards strengthening student growth. With an emphasis on reliability and validity, the newly developed assessment will incorporate questions that resonate with students' learning experiences and faith teachings. To further diversify accessibility, the assessment will also be available in Spanish, ensuring educators can cater to a wider range of student backgrounds.

Looking Ahead: Pilots and Launch Plans

Currently, Renaissance and NCEA are in the final stages of developing this innovative assessment tool, with plans to pilot it across multiple dioceses in spring 2026. The full-fledged launch is slated for the 2026-2027 academic year, with potential expansions for even more content following a successful initial rollout.

Both Renaissance and NCEA are eager to see the positive impact of this collaboration on student growth and the overarching mission of Catholic education. By synergizing their strengths, they aim to create a more effective, data-informed educational landscape that honors and promotes the faith journey of every student.

About Renaissance

With a presence in over 110 countries and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, Renaissance stands as a pillar of support for educators worldwide. By focusing on delivering insights and resources, the organization works tirelessly to help all students lay a foundational path toward success in their academic and personal endeavors.

About NCEA

Founded in 1904, NCEA plays a crucial role in representing over 150,000 Catholic educators across 176 US dioceses. As the largest private professional education association globally, NCEA provides critical resources to enhance both faith formation and academic excellence, aiming to uplift the quality of education offered in Catholic schools.