Why the A.C.E Program Works.
The Accelerated Christian Education resources has over 45 years as a proven track record as an effective way to provide basic academic disciplines as well as instilling Godly character into the lives of students. The Reason why the A.C.E program works can be summarised in these Seven Key Foundational Concepts:
- Integration of Biblical Principles (Scripture memory, wisdom principles)
- Godly Character Training (A.C.E. character, 90 character traits of Christ)
- Mastery-Based Learning
- Built-In Reinforced System of Learning
- Individualised Learning
- Development of Critical Thinking Skills
- Socialisation
1. Integration of Biblical principles
The major strength of A.C.E. curriculum is its clearly identifiable Biblical goals. A God-centered theistic philosophy is built into every PACE, where principles of Godly character and illustrations of desired character traits are sequenced in character strips and motivational activities. Ongoing character training in the A.C.E. program is extended to the students from several sources.
a. Scripture Truths and Memorization
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 199:11). Students memorise the Bible verse located on the first page of each PACE for Levels 1-8, which illustrates a corresponding desired character trait.
b. Wisdom Principles (Wisdom Inserts)
Upper-level English PACEs (1097-1144) include inserts containing Biblical principles that help students see life from God’s perspective. The basic theme of each insert is wisdom-training teens on how to walk with God through the 90 character traits of Jesus Christ.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 199:11). Students memorise the Bible verse located on the first page of each PACE for Levels 1-8, which illustrates a corresponding desired character trait.
b. Wisdom Principles (Wisdom Inserts)
Upper-level English PACEs (1097-1144) include inserts containing Biblical principles that help students see life from God’s perspective. The basic theme of each insert is wisdom-training teens on how to walk with God through the 90 character traits of Jesus Christ.
2. Godly Character Training
a. A.C.E. Characters
Attention is focused on responsibility, character, and self-discipline which is modeled by various A.C.E. characters within the A.C.E. curriculum.
b. Ninety Character Traits of Jesus (traits to be incorporated into our personal lives)
The 90 character traits as demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ, the world’s foremost example of how man ought to live, are included in the PACEs.
Attention is focused on responsibility, character, and self-discipline which is modeled by various A.C.E. characters within the A.C.E. curriculum.
b. Ninety Character Traits of Jesus (traits to be incorporated into our personal lives)
The 90 character traits as demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ, the world’s foremost example of how man ought to live, are included in the PACEs.
3. Mastery-Based Learning
Studies describing reading problems that students experience in conventional schools reveal curriculum weaknesses between year three and five. Junior and senior high school early leavers are usually academic wanting to leave school by the fifth year of learning. If a student’s academic ability is deficient by the fifth year and is not remedied, it usually becomes chronic and permanent unless the student is placed in a programme like A.C.E.’s individualised learning program.
A student’s academic problems generally occur in the order: reading, mathematics, and then language. When a phonetics base is laid and reading mastery is achieved, most language problems are easily resolved. The same principle used to achieve reading mastery can be applied to problems in mathematics-solid foundations must be established. If the student builds a good base in reading, language and mathematics skills, he can usually achieve independently in high school years.
In conventional methodology, especially in the teaching of sight reading, a student may be exposed to material prematurely and not have the capability to learn it. When the same material comes around in the curriculum spiral, he has another opportunity to learn it. For some academic details, this is acceptable, but not for the basics-the tools with which all other academics are built. In The A.C.E. program, the basics are sequentially introduced, beginning with Kindergarten with Ace and Christi and continuing throughout the first four levels of the A.C.E. curriculum.
4. Built-In Reinforced System of Learning
Students’ learning is reinforced by the unique computer-controlled vocabulary of the A.C.E. curriculum. Great care is taken to ensure that no student is exposed to words or terms that might hinder his grasp of academic mastery. When an academic concept calls for a new term, that world is introduced, color-coded in the text, used in an activity, reviewed, and repeated often to facilitate mastery.
This system of reinforcement throughout questioning, Checkups, Self Test, and final PACE Test has proven to be a sound and effective means of ensuring mastery of academic material.
5. Individualised Learning
One of the benefits of the A.C.E. core curriculum is that each student may progress through the PACEs at his own rate. Because the curriculum is truly individualised, students learn the best way – individually. Each student learns essential academics and explores truths about God and His world without being pressured to keep up with a group. Keep in mind that each one has strengths and weaknesses.
6. Development of Critical Thinking Skills
The A.C.E. program includes specific forms of material and format that aid the student as he develops his capacity for critical thinking throughout his school years. He is encouraged in his ability to think creatively and independently within a Biblical framework. The program is designed to progress students through all six phases in the development of critical thinking skills: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
7. Socialisation
A common misconception about the A.C.E. program is that students have little or no opportunity for socialisation in the educational setting. In reality, homeschoolers have a more opportunities for a well-rounded social life with parents, family and wider community. Home Schooling Children are shown that all aspects of life are an opportunity to learn and not limited to the short amount of time dedicated to academic workbooks.
Studies describing reading problems that students experience in conventional schools reveal curriculum weaknesses between year three and five. Junior and senior high school early leavers are usually academic wanting to leave school by the fifth year of learning. If a student’s academic ability is deficient by the fifth year and is not remedied, it usually becomes chronic and permanent unless the student is placed in a programme like A.C.E.’s individualised learning program.
A student’s academic problems generally occur in the order: reading, mathematics, and then language. When a phonetics base is laid and reading mastery is achieved, most language problems are easily resolved. The same principle used to achieve reading mastery can be applied to problems in mathematics-solid foundations must be established. If the student builds a good base in reading, language and mathematics skills, he can usually achieve independently in high school years.
In conventional methodology, especially in the teaching of sight reading, a student may be exposed to material prematurely and not have the capability to learn it. When the same material comes around in the curriculum spiral, he has another opportunity to learn it. For some academic details, this is acceptable, but not for the basics-the tools with which all other academics are built. In The A.C.E. program, the basics are sequentially introduced, beginning with Kindergarten with Ace and Christi and continuing throughout the first four levels of the A.C.E. curriculum.
4. Built-In Reinforced System of Learning
Students’ learning is reinforced by the unique computer-controlled vocabulary of the A.C.E. curriculum. Great care is taken to ensure that no student is exposed to words or terms that might hinder his grasp of academic mastery. When an academic concept calls for a new term, that world is introduced, color-coded in the text, used in an activity, reviewed, and repeated often to facilitate mastery.
This system of reinforcement throughout questioning, Checkups, Self Test, and final PACE Test has proven to be a sound and effective means of ensuring mastery of academic material.
5. Individualised Learning
One of the benefits of the A.C.E. core curriculum is that each student may progress through the PACEs at his own rate. Because the curriculum is truly individualised, students learn the best way – individually. Each student learns essential academics and explores truths about God and His world without being pressured to keep up with a group. Keep in mind that each one has strengths and weaknesses.
6. Development of Critical Thinking Skills
The A.C.E. program includes specific forms of material and format that aid the student as he develops his capacity for critical thinking throughout his school years. He is encouraged in his ability to think creatively and independently within a Biblical framework. The program is designed to progress students through all six phases in the development of critical thinking skills: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
7. Socialisation
A common misconception about the A.C.E. program is that students have little or no opportunity for socialisation in the educational setting. In reality, homeschoolers have a more opportunities for a well-rounded social life with parents, family and wider community. Home Schooling Children are shown that all aspects of life are an opportunity to learn and not limited to the short amount of time dedicated to academic workbooks.