Part A: ACE Resources and Initiatives

ACE Resources

As mentioned, colleges participated in the identification of ACE programming gaps by means of delivery grids on three occasions. One grid was developed for each ACE subject. Each grid listed the performance indicators or units for that subject.

See Appendix A for a sample of a blank delivery grid for Self-Direction.

The grids proved to be a simple but highly effective means of identifying ACE programming gaps on a broad but rough scale. In addition to Media Studies, gaps in programming included:

• Biology – (1) Plant Biology (3 areas), (2) Energy, Pyramids and Food Chains, (3) Biogeochemical Cycles, and (4) Population Growth
• Computer Skills – Web Page Production and Ethical Issues
• Chemistry – Processes of Qualitative Analysis
• Core Math – Everyday Financing
• Physics – Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
• Self-Direction – Community Development

The delivery grids also afforded individual colleges the opportunity to see where they were with ACE development relative to other colleges. Colleges updated the grids in the fall of 2004 and will have another opportunity to update them in 2005.

During the ACE consultation process, many colleges indicated interest in knowing what learning materials and texts other colleges were using and what their needs were. This was particularly important, for example, to practitioners who participated in the math discussions. In science discussions, access to labs was indicated as a critical need.

With the approval of ACE in July 2004, many colleges began developing and revising their ACE materials. In response, the CSC asked all colleges to submit information on resources for all ACE subjects. Specifically, colleges were asked to list texts, software, learning materials along with the cost per unit, the supplier and a brief commentary about each resource including information about usefulness, advantages and disadvantages. A list of criteria was also developed to help colleges evaluate current ACE resources and purchase new ones.

See Appendix B for the list of criteria.