STEP Student Assessment Program (SSAP)

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Purpose: The SSAP is only for students of diocesan initial formation programs (lay or diaconate) who partner with STEP to provide the theological component of the formation program. Its aim is to provide diocesan formation directors a strong assessment of the theological competency of their candidates for ministry.

Method: The SSAP employs a portfolio method of evaluation. Select STEP courses are identified in the course catalog as portfolio courses. In addition to the course requirements, portfolio courses will include an additional essay question. The essays must be three to five pages in length. A complete assessment requires that the student complete 10 essays over the duration of their formation program.

The students will complete the required courses and essays according to a schedule created by the Diocesan Director in consultation with the Director of STEP. There is some flexibility in this schedule, though, STEP recommends a minimum number of essay questions from each of the following course categories:

• Catholic Doctrine: A minimum of two essays.

• Christian Life: A minimum of one essay. Christian Conscience and Ethical Dilemmas recommended.

• Church History: A minimum of two essays. The History of Christianity: The First Five Centuries recommended.

• Liturgy: A minimum of two essays. At least one of the essays should be from An Introduction to Sacraments or Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian Life.

• Scripture: A minimum of two essays. At least one essay from an Old Testament course and at least one essay from a New Testament course.

Each essay submitted will be reviewed and evaluated by either STEP’s Director, Associate Director or Assistant Director. The evaluator’s comments for each essay will be sent to the student electronically. A copy of the comments can also be forwarded to the diocesan director.

The essay and the evaluator’s comments will be kept on file for the duration of the student’s formation period. Once ten essays are compiled, the complete file with a cover letter will be sent to the diocesan director. The cover letter, which will be signed by STEP’s Director, will include a recommendation of the candidate’s theological competency. The candidate will be: 1) recommended; or 2) not recommended.

Standards: In the case of lay ministry candidates, STEP evaluators will use the National Certification Standards for Ecclesial Lay Ministers as a guide. The primary focus will be Certification Standard Three: Catholic Theology. In the case of Diaconate Candidates, STEP evaluators will use the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. Overall, general standards of grammar and style will also be evaluated.

Student Responsibilities: It is the student’s responsibility:

1) to know that they are going to be assessed for theological competency;

2) to complete the required number of courses and associated essays;

3) to e-mail or mail the essay to STEP before the agreed upon deadline for each essay.

Costs: The fee for this assessment service is $525 per student. The fee will be included in the first year’s invoice but can be paid over the course of the relationship. A Memorandum of Understanding will accompany the first year’s invoice. It will be a double-signed document outlining the contours of the relationship between STEP and the affiliated diocese.

To discuss the SSAP and other components of diocesan affiliation, please contact:

Mr. Thomas C. Cummings,
Director of STEP
Telephone: 574 631-8207
Toll-free: 866-425-STEP