The Effective DRE: A Skills Development Series is a co-publishing venture between the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) and Loyola Press. The series has been developed by the NCCL to help directors of religious education (DREs) and those preparing to become DREs to acquire the basic competencies required to be effective in the ministry. Each booklet is written by an experienced DRE or religious education professional. The material in the booklets is based on the National Certification Standards for Professional Parish Directors of Religious Education, a document developed by the NCCL and approved by the United States Catholic Conference Commission on Certification and Accreditation.Understanding Catechesis addresses Standards #531.01 through 531.043 and 531.06.