The Accelerated Christian Education curriculum has been tried and proven to be very effective in teaching all the 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 summarized in seven
key foundational concepts.
A God centered, theistic philosophy is built into every PACE (Packet of Accelerated Christian Education; a bit sized booklet of curriculum), were principles of Godly character and illustration of desired character traits are sequenced in character strips and motivational forms.
Students need to memorize a Bible verse that illustrate the corresponding desired character trait. The Bible verse is found on the first page of each PACE. Several different activities used throughout the PACE to help the student learn the verse.
Students must be able to quote the verse and its reference from memory before proceeding to the PACE test. Memorizing the verse is an important part of a PACE. In order to pass the test, one must be able to recite the verse from his/her memory. For teens, the PACE includes Wisdom Insert containing Biblical Principles that help students to see life from God’s perspective.
Biblical principles, Godly character traits, character strips, and activities help students learn to interact productively in society. Within the A.C.E. curriculum, these things focus attention on responsibility, character and self-discipline.
From the character strips, Biblical principles of life are built into the lives of the students, who relate to the various characters and want to emulate their good character qualities. The stories illustrate the Biblical principles emphasized in the PACEs. The cast of character is constant, but they grow in age and ability as student progress through the PACEs. Students identify with the A.C.E. characters, learn from the examples they set, and internalize the Godly character traits. This unique feature enhances traditional family values, moral principles, and adds a more personal, human touch.
In the PACEs there are 60 characters traits included. The 90 characters traits as demonstrated in Jesus Christ. These character traits, with definition and Scripture, are used throughout each level of the curriculum. They are presented in poems, songs, role-modeling character strips, inspirational nuggets, and activities. In each PACE, the student is required to memorize a Bible verse that teaches the corresponding character quality.
A student’s academic problems generally occur in this order: reading, mathematics, and the language. When a phonetic 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 the problems in mathematics, solid foundations must be established.
If the students build a good base in reading, language, and mathematics skills, he can usually achieve independently in later years. Each student is required to master each fundamental tool before proceeding to new material. A conventional classroom must of necessity address the average student. However, a much broader approach is necessary if the above or below average student is to learn effectively.
The A.C.E. curriculum focuses on meeting the precise needs of all students: those of the slow student (around 60 IQ), the average student (around 100 IQ), and the brilliant student (around 140 IQ). In the A.C.E. program, each student is met at his individual performance level, then advanced through the curriculum at his optimum rate of achievement.
Student’s 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 a word that might hinder his grasp of academic mastery. When an academic concept calls for a new term, that word is introduced, color-coded in the text, used in an activity, reviewed, and repeated often to facilitate mastery.
The core curriculum is replete with full-color drawings, photographs, and illustrations that add interest and reinforce the text. Maps, charts, and time lines are included to facilitate mastery learning. These visuals are carefully selected to provide spatial and chronological orientation for students. Moreover, motivational aspects have been added.
To reinforce and ensure learning, PACEs include activity question covering the material presented. Students read a portion of text, complete activities, then are tested over that portion. At appropriate level, cognitive (thought) questions are presented to stimulate the child’s mind. The child is guided into right thinking, including logic and Biblical principles.
Periodically throughout a PACE, Checkups are presented to reinforce and help the student recall what has just been studied. At the end of a PACE, a Self-Test is presented, providing the student an opportunity to measure what he has learned. When the student has successfully completed the Self-Test, he is allowed to take the PACE Test under the supervision the following school day.
This system of reinforcement through questioning, Checkups, Self-Test, and final PACE Test has proven to be a sound and effective means ensuring mastery of academic material.
Perhaps the greatest academic feature of the A.C.E. core curriculum is that students may progress through the PACEs at their own rates. Because the curriculum is truly individualized, students learn the best way-individually. They learn essential academics and explore truths about God and His world without being pressured to keep up with a group.
The A.C.E. programs 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 thorough all six phases in the development of critical thinking skills: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
A common misconception about the A.C.E. program is that students have little or no opportunity for socialization in the educational setting. In reality, the A.C.E. program provides ample opportunity for students to socialize, both with other students and staff and with parents and family at all school events.
A weekly average of three hours per school day is devoted to socialization activities, including devotions, physical education, privilege breaks, music classes, and field trips. Not only is there time for socialization during the school day, but sports and other activities also provide interaction between schools using the A.C.E. curriculum.
Excellent opportunities for socializing and enjoying new experiences come at the Regional Student Conventions and at the annual A.C.E. International Student Convention.