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. Activities are based on research and best practices and include a variety of services. ACE offers activities based on a Four-Component Activity Guide which includes:

 

 

Activities specifically developed for adult family members of students participating in ACE include educational and literacy related activities such as GED, English Language classes, computer literacy, financial literacy and resume building classes.  ACE programs offer other services customized for family participation such as health and fitness activities and sessions on effective parenting strategies. A main focus of ACE family and parental support services is to help advance student achievement.

 

Vidor Independent School District’s (ISD) ACE program provides an excellent example of integrating the family into the ACE program.  Recently awarded the Bright Idea award at the Texas Community Education Association’s annual conference, Vidor ACE has implemented a “Terrific Tuesday” family night, hosted the first Tuesday of each month.  The program includes parent presentations on diverse and important topics such as TAKS testing tips, proper concert etiquette and facilitation of a Family Night in the home.  Following the parent presentations, students from ACE campuses demonstrate activities learned in the ACE program.  The series has been a success with average attendance of 300 participants!

 

Sally Andrews, Vidor ISD Project Director, provided some valuable insights into this program, “Terrific Tuesday has provided a wonderful opportunity for parents to see what their children are learning in the ACE program, meet the instructors, and feel a vital part of the education of their children.  A sense of community and a snapshot of the importance of parental involvement have formed as ACE leaders encourage parents to be allies in the education of their children.  It’s encouraging and exciting for all concerned!”