Developing Competencies

Using accurate and timely information assists leaders and teachers in making wise decisions as they strive to meet the objective of religious education. Leaders and teachers should seek direction from the Lord as they consider needs and how to provide help. It is important to remember that in Church Educational System (CES) enrollment reports, every number and statistic represents one of our Heavenly Father’s children. Moroni taught that after individuals were baptized, “their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4). Accurate reports help identify those who may need special attention. (For more information, see Administering Appropriately: A Handbook for CES Leaders and Teachers [2003], 24-26.)

President Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught seminary and institute leaders and teachers the importance of working closely with priesthood leaders in order to rescue the youth of the Church:

In their efforts to bless youth and young adults, it is important that seminary and institute leaders and teachers work closely and cooperatively with local priesthood leaders. Under the direction of priesthood leaders, they counsel and work together to ensure that each youth and young adult is invited and encouraged to enroll in, attend, and complete appropriate courses of study. Teachers and administrators should be actively involved with priesthood leaders in seeking to enroll and retain seminary and institute students and should not be content to teach only those students who come to their classes. (For more information, see Gospel Teaching and Learning: A Handbook for Teachers and Leaders in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion [2012], x–9.)

Dynamics reports display accurate information for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (S&I) personnel and priesthood leaders concerning the status of all current and potential seminary and institute students. Click here to learn more about Dynamics reports.

Worldwide Institute and Seminary Enrollment (WISE) is the system S&I program administrators and support specialists use to enroll youth and young adults in seminary and institute classes. WISE is also used by teachers to track their attendance roll. Click here to access WISE tutorials.

Click here to collaborate with others and share best practices for using Dynamics reports and WISE.