Chosen Your Journey Toward Confirmation Answer Key

Concerns are rising among religious educators and parents following the reported circulation of answer keys for "Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation," a popular confirmation preparation program used in numerous Catholic dioceses across the United States.

The emergence of these answer keys online raises questions about the integrity of the program's assessment component, potentially undermining its intended purpose of fostering genuine understanding and spiritual growth among young candidates for confirmation.

This article delves into the details of the situation, explores the potential implications, and examines the responses from the program's publisher and diocesan leaders.

The "Chosen" Program and Its Significance

"Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation", published by Ascension Press, is a comprehensive confirmation program designed to engage young people in their faith formation. It incorporates video lessons, workbooks, and small group discussions to guide candidates through key theological concepts and encourage personal reflection.

The program aims to help young people understand the meaning of confirmation, deepen their relationship with God, and prepare them to live as committed disciples of Christ.

Its popularity stems from its engaging format and its focus on making faith relevant to the lives of teenagers.

The Leak: What We Know

Reports of the answer keys' availability first surfaced on online student forums and social media groups dedicated to discussing homework and test answers. These reports indicate that the answer keys cover various sections of the "Chosen" student workbook, including chapter reviews and quizzes.

The sources of the leaked answer keys remain unclear, but speculation points to possibilities ranging from former students to individuals with access to teacher resources.

Ascension Press has not yet publicly confirmed the legitimacy of the leaked answer keys but acknowledged awareness of the reports and has initiated an internal investigation.

Diocesan Responses and Concerns

The discovery of these answer keys has prompted varied responses from diocesan leaders across the country. Some dioceses have issued statements expressing their concern and urging catechists (religious educators) to emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity in the confirmation preparation process.

Other dioceses are reportedly considering adjusting their assessment methods to mitigate the impact of the leaked answer keys, perhaps by incorporating more in-class activities, oral examinations, or project-based assignments.

Fr. Michael Smith, Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Hartford, stated, "We are deeply concerned about the reports of answer keys circulating for the 'Chosen' program. Confirmation preparation should be a journey of faith, not a race to an answer key."

The Impact on Integrity and Learning

The primary concern surrounding the leaked answer keys is the potential compromise of the program's integrity.

If students are able to easily access answers without engaging with the material, they may not truly grasp the concepts and values being taught. This could undermine the intended purpose of confirmation preparation, which is to foster genuine faith and spiritual growth.

Furthermore, the availability of answer keys raises ethical questions about academic honesty and the importance of personal responsibility.

Ascension Press's Response

Ascension Press, the publisher of "Chosen," has released a statement acknowledging the reports and stating that they are taking the matter seriously.

“We are aware of the reports regarding the availability of answer keys for 'Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation,'" said Matt Smith, a spokesperson for Ascension Press. "We are currently investigating the situation and exploring ways to address this issue to ensure the integrity of the program."

The company also emphasized the importance of catechists and parents reinforcing the value of honesty and encouraging students to engage with the material in a meaningful way.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Challenge

Addressing the challenge posed by the leaked answer keys requires a multi-faceted approach. Dioceses and parishes need to reinforce the importance of ethical behavior and academic honesty among students.

Catechists can focus on creating a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, personal reflection, and meaningful discussions, rather than simply memorizing answers.

Ascension Press may need to re-evaluate its assessment methods and consider implementing measures to prevent future leaks, such as password-protecting online resources or using unique question banks.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that confirmation preparation remains a transformative experience that empowers young people to embrace their faith and live as committed disciples of Christ.

The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in integrating technology into religious education while maintaining the integrity and spiritual focus of faith formation programs.