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OFFICE OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION
EVALUATION FORM FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEXTBOOKS
FOR PARISHES AND SCHOOLS
Name of textbook series
Publisher
Copyright date
Grade level
Imprimatur
Name of Student Book
Name of Teachers Manual
Name of evaluator
Parish or School
Date
EVALUATION CODE:
3 - Outstanding
Fulfills the criteria exceptionally well
2 - Satisfactory
Adequately fulfills the criteria
1 - Minimally Adequate
Partially fulfills the criteria; needs supplementary
resources
0 - Unacceptable
Does not fulfill the criteria
CONFORMITY WITH THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
1. The series is on the Conformity Listing of Catechetical Texts
and series published by the Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the
Use of the Catechism, USCCB
yes
no
CULTURALLY DIVERSE
1. There is a sufficient variety of multi-cultural approaches
in content and graphics.
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2. The materials are culturally sensitive and inclusive
of all cultural groups.
3–2–1–0
3. There is evidence in the script of honest and fair representation
of various cultures
3–2–1–0
4. The language is non-discriminatory:
 non-sexist,
3–2–1–0
 non-racist.
5. The life situations introducing the content are relevant to the
persons for whom the text was designed.
3–2–1–0
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2
AGE APPROPRIATE
1. The learning experiences and reading levels are appropriate
to grade levels of the students.
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2. The individual texts in this series consistently correspond
to the age level and ability of the students who will use them:
3.
 with regard to readability,
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 with regard to graphics and artwork,
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 with regard to life experiences discussed,
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 with regard to prayer and worship experiences.
3–2–1–0
The graphics in this text are appropriate for the age
of the learners.
3–2–1–0
4. The text uses language and images appropriate to the
developmental stages and special needs of the age level.
3–2–1–0
5. The vocabulary is appropriate for the intended learner.
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6. The content presented is at a level appropriate to the
interest and ability of the student.
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7. Formulas and facts for memorization are introduced gradually
and are adapted to the level and ability of the student.
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VARIOUS METHODS USED
1. The series takes into consideration the way children learn.
(Example: Research says that children only learn 20% of what
they hear and 90% of what they do.)
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2. The series is adaptable to a variety of personal needs,
stages of development and learning habits.
3–2–1–0
3. Provisions are made for student evaluation. (assessment)
3–2–1–0
4. The text provides an appropriate balance between information
to be read and learning activities to be experienced.
3–2–1–0
5. The text maintains a judicious balance between personal
expression and memorization.
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6. The text is visually interesting and assists in commanding
the interest of the student.
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7. There are adequate options from which to choose for
planning lessons.
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8. The material can be adapted to the slow or disadvantaged
learner.
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ADEQUATE TEACHER’S MANUAL
1. The teacher’s manual is clearly laid out and easy to follow.
3–2–1–0
2. The manual contains advice about the overall development
of the child at that level.
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3. The manual assists the catechist in planning each lesson
with regard to:
 its relevancy to the faith and life experience of the child,
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 the clear presentation of the faith message.
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4. The manual corresponds well to the student text.
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5. The manual includes bibliographical references for the
catechist (books, films, filmstrips, etc.).
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6. The learning outcomes are clearly stated.
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7. The manual suggests a variety of strategies, activities and
auxiliary resources that can enrich instruction, deepen
understanding and facilitate the integration of doctrine and life.
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8. The manual assists teachers and catechists on how to respond to
the needs of persons with disabilities and individuals with
special needs.
3–2–1–0
LIFE EXPERIENCE IS RECOGNIZED
1. The lesson plans follow the sequence of: 1)human experience,
2)message, 3)discovery, and 4) prayer response.
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2. The program lends itself to communication with ideas
for involvement in parish and the worldwide church.
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3. There is evidence in the script and graphics of honest and fair
representation of:
 both sexes,
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 various family groupings (e.g., single parent,
extended family).
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 various cultures.
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4. The text takes into account the experiences and background of
those being catechized.
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5. The manual assists the catechist in planning each lesson with
regard to prayer and its relevancy to the faith and life experience
of the child.
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6. The life situations introducing the content are relevant
to the persons for whom the text is designed.
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7. The life situations are relevant to the point of the lesson.
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FAMILY MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED
1. The manual includes material that can be used in the home
to aid parents in sharing faith with their children.
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2. The student text includes notes for family involvement:
 that adequately summarize the unit/lesson content.
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 that suggest reinforcing activities to be shared
in the home.
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 that suggest possible areas of further study and
enrichment for the parent.
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3. There is a bibliography to help parents better understand
the gradual development of the learner.
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OFFERS CATECHIST FORMATION
1. The teacher’s manual includes adequate background material
for the catechist to understand the concepts presented in
each lesson.
3–2–1–0
2. The manual provides background for catechist and teacher
faith development and enrichment.
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3. The catechist’s manual is logically sequenced and easy to follow.
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4. The manual corresponds well to the student text.
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GIVES AUDIO-VISUAL SUGGESTIONS
1. There are recommendations for a variety of audio visual
materials and other resources.
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MORALLY SOUND
1. The moral conscience, its judgments, its formation, and
erroneous(incorrect) judgment is clearly presented, 1776 ff.
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2. Sin and mercy are clearly presented together, along with
the definition of sin, the kinds of sin, and the gravity of sin,
1846 ff
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3. Moral law, natural moral law, the old law and the new law
of the gospel are adequately presented, 1949 ff.
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4. The ten commandments are clearly presented, 2052 ff.
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5. The Church, its precepts, moral life, the magisterium, and
missionary witness is clearly presented, 2030 ff.
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6. Students are assisted in forming their consciences according
Gospel values
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7. Students are directed to examine their actions to determine if
they are consistent with Gospel values.
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ADDRESSES SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES
1. The dignity of the human person is clearly presented in the
context of being created in the image of God, 1701 ff
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2. Authority, the common good, our responsibilities and
participation in social life are clearly presented, 1897 ff.
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3. Social justice is properly presented including the respect
for all human beings and human solidarity, 1928 ff.
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Folder: Catechetical Textbooks Filename: RELIGIOUS ED.TEXTBOOKS EVALUATION
Revised 16 February, 2006