About Acres

At a Glance

ACRES is a nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so afterschool educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth. If you invest your time, MMSA and the National Science Foundation will invest in you and cover the expenses of the professional development. The program was launched in 2015 as a project of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Participating in the ACRES series will help afterschool educators build facilitation skills and confidence in STEM. Educators who participate in the program will:

Gain exposure to current research surrounding STEM education for youth.
Access new ways of interacting with youth and other ways to teach STEM skills.
Develop mastery in using technology for learning new skills.
Build relationships with peers who are doing similar work.
Experience personalized professional development to deepen skills.
Earn contact hours and a certificate of participation.

What People are Saying…

Building Community & Group Bonding

Resources & Technology

Resiliency Of Afterschool Building Community

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It was a hands-on easy, interactive experience. Even for a technophobe, like myself recording a video was possible...I would recommend it.

Mary Hurley

Mineola Memorial Library

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I would say that it was a hands on training with amazing documents that we continue to use to this day. It was great for staff to get together in a format with someone besides me, explaining how to work with STEM projects with students.

Traci Peterson

Pleasanton Unified School District - Kids Club

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A lot of times it's not about the project that you use, it's about the questions that you ask. And that's what I loved about ACRES-it was about meaningful and purposeful questions.

Abigail Craig

Woodland Public Library

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I didn’t realize it would be so much fun. I thought it would be like a lot of webinars...I would have to turn off my video because I’m sleeping...but then we had so much fun. There was so much interaction - it was a whole new experience - and I am so excited to use what I have learned

ACRES Participant

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ACRES is a way to improve your stem programming by really allowing the students to be immersed in their own learning and to make it more interesting and accessible.

Linda Frazee

Brazoria County Library System

What we do:

Coaching for Afterschool Educators

The heart of the ACRES model involves afterschool educators coming together virtually to share videos of their own interactions with youth. Groups of 4-8 educators meet in person for workshops, then regularly videotape their own work with youth, and discuss their videos with peers and an experienced coach during virtual small-group coaching sessions. The model recognizes that educators learn best by watching themselves and each other as they practice new skills in a safe setting with a skilled coach.

Training for Coaches

ACRES is currently partnering with three State Hubs in Missouri, New York, and Illinois to build coaching capacity. The ACRES team brings together experienced ACRES educators and afterschool leaders in each state hub to learn how to effectively coach their afterschool educators and adapt ACRES to effectively meet the needs of their community. These coaches receive professional development in a community of peer coaches, under the leadership of a mentor STEM coach. They apply their learning by supporting afterschool educators in their state as they improve their STEM offerings. ACRES state hub coaches gather regularly to reflect on their own practice as coaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should get involved in ACRES?

ACRES Participants serve youth in programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Scouts, YMCAs, afterschool programs, robotics programs, science olympiad, teen centers, local library programs, science centers, museums, summer camps and more. As you consider participating, be sure you:

- Have consistent interactions with youth
- Are comfortable with recording and uploading video or audio clips to secure cloud sharing sites or willing to learn
- Are comfortable with video conferencing or willing to learn
- Have access to high speed internet, a computer, and to a cell phone, tablet or camera with video capability
- Have a willingness to learn and reflect on practice in a cohort of peers from across the United States

How can I partner with ACRES to bring coaching to my network??

There are many ways you can partner with the ACRES project. State afterschool or library networks can get involved by inviting us to present at a conference, directing educators to participate as individuals, or starting a cohort for the state. ACRES can also train network leaders to coach their state’s afterschool educators.

What can I expect to do as an ACRES participant?

Over the course of an ACRES module, you’ll participate in 3 live video conferencing sessions – these are interactive and engaging discussions with other educators and a coach. Ahead of time, participants receive a list of easy-to-find materials needed for hands on experiences, and handouts are sent electronically. Between sessions, you’ll practice the skills and record a short clip of yourself working with youth. You’ll then meet with your cohort to share insights and coaching aligned to the skill you are practicing. You can participate in as many of our modules as you’d like.

How do I choose which modules or cohorts to participate in?

There are 6 ACRES modules to pick from, and each of them helps you develop a certain skill. Every ACRES participant starts with Asking Purposeful Questions*. After you complete Asking Purposeful Questions, you can join any of the other 5 modules as you are interested. *Note: The Asking Purposeful Questions can include Ready, Set, STEM!– an introduction to STEM facilitation for those just getting started. This opportunity is noted on the registration page.

How much time does it take to complete a module?

Each module includes three 2-hour active sessions over Zoom video conference. These sessions are usually scheduled between two to four weeks apart. Between each session, you will likely spend about 3 hours practicing the skill and recording a video or audio clip of your practice. In total, you can plan for approximately 6 hours connecting with your coach and cohort, and 6 hours of practice embedded in what you already do!

How do I connect virtually during the workshops?

Before each session, your coach will send you a link that will connect you to the video conference. You will use the Zoom platform for every meeting. Clicking the link will connect you to the meeting without needing a username or password. For more information about the platform, visit www.zoom.us. To test your audio or video ahead of time, visit, www.zoom.us/test

What if I don’t want myself shown on the screen during the video conferencing sessions?

The video conferencing software (Zoom) allows attendees to leave their cameras off while connected. A small icon will appear on the screen representing “you.” Bear in mind that this is a bit tough on your colleagues, because they will want to get to know you, and it’s easier if you can see each other.

When I record my practice, how long should the video or audio clip be?

We find that clips between 3-4 minutes long are ideal for the coaching session. If you already know which part of the activity you want to record, you can just turn your camera on and off to capture a few minutes of that part. Or you can record for a longer period of time and then use the video editing tools built into your phone or laptop to select a clip you want to share.

What if we don’t have media releases for all youth?

Because the videos will not be made public, but used as part of an educational coaching program to help providers improve their skills, media releases are not required. The ACRES project provides a courtesy letter to the parent/guardian, outlining how videos will be used, and giving ways to contact the project researchers if there are questions or concerns.

What if I don’t have recording equipment?

You probably already have what you need, as you can use a phone, tablet, or laptop webcam for recording videos. If you don’t have these available, ACRES will help you to borrow one.

How do I get the supplies to do the hands-on activities? Do I have to buy them?

You probably won’t need to buy anything. ACRES modules use easy to find materials that people often have on hand. The materials are easily adapted to fit whatever supplies people have available. The modules’ emphasis is on the skill and less about perfecting a specific activity with set materials.

Can I watch a recording if I miss an ACRES session?

No. Although the experience is virtual, you are joining a community of educators in real time. Thus, it is important for all members to be present at virtual meetings to build a trusting, coaching relationship. It is essential that you are present to experience learning the skill and to collaborate with others. If an emergency comes up, please contact your coach as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to participate in ACRES?

Thanks to the generous funding of The National Science Foundation, ACRES (a $250 value per module) is currently offered at no cost to participants.