Students must successfully demonstrate mastery of all the learning outcomes in Communications (Anglais or Français), a Mathematics course, and any two other courses from the list to achieve ACE certification.

The review process involved looking at ACE learning outcomes by means of delivery “grids”. The grids were very effective in identifying programming gaps. All twenty-four colleges participated in the review. To date, colleges have had three opportunities to provide input into the grids. An analysis of the grids revealed programming gaps in all ACE subject areas. One significant gap was identified in the area of Media Studies, which is part of Communications.

The primary purpose of the Essential Skills Project, then, was to continue the work of identifying gaps in the ACE curriculum and begin the process of filling those gaps. The goal of the Project was to promote consistency within the college system. It is anticipated that the development and widespread sharing of materials will ultimately result in cost-effectiveness for colleges.

The Project consisted of three distinct parts:

Part A: the development of a process for the collection and distribution of ACE information and resources, and individual college ACE initiatives

Part B: the investigation of strategies for improved sharing of ACE information and resources among colleges

Part C: the development of Media Studies curriculum, which is part of the ACE Communications Course

At the outset, it was recognized that the development of the Media Studies curriculum would be the biggest challenge and major focus of the Project in terms of the development time and resources available.