ACE Announces Virtual Programming and New Topics Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

​The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools, community organizations, businesses and more throughout the state of Alabama to adjust and enhance their individual capabilities to better serve the community. In March, the team here at ACE put our minds together to brainstorm ideas to continue our mission of making social and emotional learning an integral part of education in K-12 schools and community organizations, as well as to provide teachers and administrative staff with the necessary tools to properly respond to and care for students this fall. 
 
We came up with two additions to our existing, evidence-based programming – virtual capabilities and expanded program topics specific to the pandemic. 

​ACE GOES VIRTUAL
Virtual SEL and Professional Development programming will be accessible through the organization’s website with login credentials provided by ACE. ACE team members are busy crafting videos and offering live professional development workshops covering a number of SEL-specific topics according to need.

​COVID-SPECIFIC TOPICS
ACE has added new, relevant topics such as racial differences, protests, trauma resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma-informed care training, healthy friendships and more, in addition to traditional programming covering SEL Core Competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills . 
 
“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for social and emotional learning for youth, families and educators is greater than ever,” said ACE Co-Founder Matthew Smith. “Our ACE team has worked tirelessly to adapt our programs to meet new and emergent needs of families and youth related to this ongoing global crisis.”
 
Since 2015, ACE has successfully integrated social emotional learning curricula in K-12 schools throughout Central Alabama through three individually tailored, in-person programs, according to need:
​

• Life Skills Education Program is a school-wide program supporting positive mental health and academic achievement by addressing goal setting, conflict resolution, effective communication, teamwork, giving and earning respect and more. ACE achieves this by dedicating a program specialist who works collaboratively with school officials to determine best SEL topics for each grade level. ACE staff will then facilitate once-monthly lessons in every classroom at the partner school. 

 

• ACE’s innovative Culture Coach program addresses the need for long-term cultural change by placing a contracted SEL professional in partnering schools. Culture Coaches analyze data to identify areas in need of social, emotional and mental health intervention, and engage school personnel to determine how to address these areas of need with evidence-based strategies.

 

• ACE provides Professional Development learning opportunities focused on social emotional learning delivered by certified professional coaches. Workshop topics include Social and Emotional Learning Foundations, Classroom Management, Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Mindfulness in the Classroom, and more, tailored to fit the specific needs of the institution.

 
Well-implemented social emotional learning programs teaching empathy and emotional regulation are proven to have a significant positive impact on suicide and homicide numbers, bullying and violent behaviors both in and out of school, and higher learning and academic achievement. These transformational programs increase social cohesion in communities by fostering safer environments and establishing a healthier youth who value lifelong learning and academic achievement, all of which leads to a prosperous and unified region where young Alabamians are empowered and supported to reach their full potential. 
 
For more information or to speak with an ACE team member about partnerships, please reach out via email.