shows  an  example  of  a  checklist  for  rigging  and unrigging a religious education program. COMPILING  AND  REPORTING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STATISTICS Statistics   are   often   used   to   stimulate, exaggerate,   baffle,   or   oversimplify. Statistical methods and statistical terms are needed to report data   of   religious   education   trends,   conditions, opinions,   and   census. Without   knowledgeable users  such  as  RPs,  chaplains,  and  staff  personnel, the results may be meaningless. Statistical   reporting   is   basically   furnishing numerical  facts  that  summarize  what  occurred  and  was recorded. It may include similarity of facts for different periods  of  time,  analysis,  evaluation,  and  clarification  of the meaning of the data. In the religious education program, you must furnish the leadership, guidance, and technical  assistance  to  manage  a  successful  CRP religious  education  statistical  program. In developing a system of statistical reporting, you must remember that reports should meet the following criteria: Satisfy a specific need Suit the occasion and contain more than cost figures Be suited to individual chaplains or faith groups Be  timely,  self-explanatory,  and  impartial Promote management by exception Be fair, accurate, and simple Be open to clear-cut analysis Be cost-effective, either in time or money Provide  for  follow-up  reports Your  collection  and  interpretation  of  statistical reports are not read as ends in themselves. They are the means to an end-the accomplishment of plans. The results they help to achieve depend largely upon the chaplains,  RPs,  councils,  and  religious  education volunteers. This is why your statistical reporting must be geared to the needs of the recipients; In the following paragraphs, you will read about methods you can use to report statistical information. You can adapt each of these  methods  to  your  individual  style. Written  Reports The value of a written report is that it can be read at a  convenient  time  and  is  available  for  subsequent rereading and study. Reports that are short and to the point are generally more attractive. For this reason, you should make use of tables, analyses, graphs, and other efficient  ways  of  presenting  statistical  data.  Consider the  following  methods: l Flash statistics are periodic summary cards or sheets  that  provide  flash  reports  of  key  religious education  monthly  (or  other  periodic)  statistics  in  brief. This easy-to-handle form for reference purposes shows progress in broad areas known to the observer. .  Flash  analyses  are  statistical  highlights  that provide a brief form of a timely graphic and narrative statement of meaningful changes, changes in broad religious  education  areas,  and  suggested  areas  for further  investigation. l  Analytical  statistical  reviews  provide  for  the examining  of  progress  in  religious  education  program areas covering a period of time longer than 1 month. These reviews allow the reader to compare progress with plans and trends and may provide a narrative explanation of unusual variations. l Reference book compilation of statistical data makes available to chaplains, councils, and faith groups information  usable  for  reference  in  areas  where problems arise. A reference book provides broad trends, comparative  data,  and  detailed  grouping. Graphic  Devices You may use graphic devices to dramatize situations as well as to assist those participating in remembering noticeable points. Your graphic devices may be used in concert  with  oral  presentations.  Such  graphic  devices may   include   charts,   tables,   outlines,   slides, transparencies, and other illustrative materials. By using  your  computer  and  software  applications  you  are only limited by your own creativity. Finally, in a program as complex as the religious educational ministry, reports to those managing the religious  education  program  must  show  interrelationships. A decline in one program may require replanning or reprogramming  elsewhere.    Statistical reporting can be deficient  if  it  does  not,  on  a  regular  basis,  provide chaplains, teachers, and faith groups with information on the  interrelationship  of  programs.  Your  ability  in reporting statistical information is the force that unites all facets  of  the  religious  education  program  into  an integrated  whole,  from  program  onset  to  realization. 3-8