Alma Brewer Strawn Elementary

The general background information provided above shows the need for the ACE program at this center. The Alma Brewer Strawn Elementary school is located in a rural community in Caldwell County where there are no Community Recreation centers, no sidewalks, nor access to a library within walking distance. COVID has severely and negatively impacted the academic progress expected of students at this campus. Most of the students have not met the 1.5-year growth expected of them. Students on this campus have performance challenges not only on the locally administered benchmark tests but also on STAAR, the Texas state assessments. Significantly impacted on assessments are the English Language Learners who are experiencing large academic achievement gaps as compared to the other students. One of the center goal is for 85% of the students who attend ACE regularly will show an increase on their pre and posttest as evidenced thru Istation. The principal uses a formula to identify the students who are invited to participate in ACE. Teachers are also asked to identify students from their classroom who can benefit from being in the ACE program. The site coordinator contacts parents to explain the ACE program and contacts teachers to gain additional information on the students. Once in the program, the site coordinator reviews each student’s test performance via Istation. In addition, once a month the site coordinator receives a report showing where each student falls in the tier groupings. If in Tier 1, then the students are doing great. If in Tier 2, then the student needs a push or help to get to Tier 1. If in Tier 3, then the students are really in need of help through ACE. Academic and enrichment activities offered include the following: homework help, tutorials, Communication Counts, Book Club, Writing Club, Typing Club, and Art with an inclusion of reading and writing. The coordinator attempts to provide small group classes for students where they are able to concentrate on the tasks before them. The campus principal visits the ACE program on a regular basis and is very supportive of the program. The program has use of the gym, cafeteria, the library and flex room. A challenge this year has been obtaining teachers for the program. Approximately 85% of the campus teachers are first year teachers and are not familiar with the ACE program.