Budget 2009
Funding for Adult and Community Education (ACE) provision delivered through schools has been significantly reduced for 2010 as part of Budget 2009.
As of 31 December 2009, all existing funding arrangements for school-based ACE provision will end. There will be approximately 20% of the current level of funding allocated to schools available for reinvestment in this part of the sector.
School-based ACE funding for 2010
ACE programmes are often a first step into tertiary education for many learners. The TEC will be looking to invest the remaining funding for schools-based ACE in those programmes that intend to focus on creating opportunities to re-engage their community in non-formal learning and to provide learners with some of the skills and confidence they need to move on to other tertiary education or work. There will be a greater focus on engaging those who are most in need, and on the outcomes of ACE provision.
The TEC expects to fund a smaller number of schools in 2010, targeting the priority areas of provision that have been signalled by government.
The priority areas of provision include literacy, numeracy, English language (ESOL), New Zealand Sign Language and te reo Māori. Other programmes that demonstrate clear alignment to the three funded ACE priorities may be considered for funding but programmes based solely on the delivery of a hobby or personal interest will not be funded.
The TEC expects schools to be able to identify explicit learning outcomes; and the difference that their programme will make to both learners and the community, and provide a pathway for learners into further education, particularly for literacy, numeracy and ESOL provision.
Government ACE funding will now be linked to the following national ACE priorities:
- Targeting learners whose initial learning was not successful.
- Raising foundation skills.
- Strengthening social cohesion.
The TEC also expects a greater focus from schools on ensuring that programmes target learners with the highest need, i.e. those whose initial learning was unsuccessful including Māori, Pacific peoples, migrants and refugees.
From 2010, schools will not be required to make 9.5% of their total ACE allocation available for use by community providers (the community allocation). However, schools can continue to support community activities with ACE funding if they choose and will need to ensure that this funding is used to meet the fund requirements and performance indicators.
Next steps
The TEC expects schools to provide an early indication to the TEC of their intention regarding 2010 funding. An email to the TEC Service Centre signalling whether the school is or is not intending to seek funding (or that ongoing discussions are occurring with their Board of Trustees) is expected by 21 August 2009.
This early indication will allow the TEC to indentify the type of assistance (if any) a school may require.
Further information is available on:
Timeline for 2009
- Further information on ACE funding published - 1 July (this update will include information on the eligibility requirements for schools, how performance will be measured, the funding rate for 2010 ACE in schools, details about what is expected from an expression of interest and how to develop and submit one).
- Early indication email due to the TEC Service Centre - 21 August
- Expressions of interests due to the TEC Service Centre - 11 September
- Proposed decisions on expressions of interests made and indicative funding allocations communicated to schools - 30 September
- Investment Plan submission period - October
- Plan approval letters - November