Texas Afterschool Centers on Education™ (ACE™), administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program administered by the US Department of Education, is an extended learning program that complements the school day instruction and prepares students for college and the workplace.

ACE is available for students whose school has been classified as Title I or having high need, high poverty level, and/or low academic performance, providing them the opportunity to participate in academic learning through innovative, hands-on activities that reinforce and complement their regular academic programs. To assist ACE programs in learning about and implementing grant requirements and research-based practices, TEA developed the PRIME Blueprint for Texas ACE.

The PRIME Blueprint is a framework of critical elements essential in building TEA’s vision for the Texas ACE program. PRIME is an acronym that represents the building blocks of the Blueprint: Planning, Resourcing, Implementing and Managing = Enduring. Through consistent implementation of this Blueprint, ACE Centers can expect to create an enduring program and ensure that high-quality programming contributes to successful students, families, and communities across the state.

 

The PRIME Blueprint focuses on Four Requirement Areas and 10 Key Tasks which incorporate a disciplined project management approach to leading and implementing programs. The 10 Key Tasks included in the Blueprint encompass various activities such as:

   • Developing strategies for outreach and community involvement and
   • Developing strategies for recruiting students and families

Consuelo Malecek, 21st Century/Adult Education Specialist at Education Service Center VI, shared, “The PRIME Blueprint gives us a guide to ensure that the Afterschool Centers on Education have the framework to create that foundation for success in each component of the program. There is great enthusiasm for PRIME as ACE leaders embrace The Blueprint’s systematic approach, a roadmap that when correctly followed, leads to the improved achievement of our students.”

 

Candace Ferguson, TEA State Coordinator/Program Manager, expounded on Malecek’s comments, “The Blueprint is one of our most exciting technical assistance documents yet! It provides both current and prospective ACE Grantees a foundation of critical elements to build ACE programs that complement school day instruction, involve families, and prepare students for college and the workforce”.

 

Family and community participation in Texas ACE can yield positive outcomes as illustrated by the results of TEA’s most recent evaluation.

 

ACE is administered by the Texas Education Agency and funded by the Texas 21st CCLC Program administered by the US Department of Education. Edvance Research is the provider to TEA for Program Enhancement & Quality Assurance for ACE. To learn more about Texas ACE, visit www.TexasACE21.org.