Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE)

Program: Adult Literacy and Basic Education
School: Developmental Studies
Delivery Method: Classroom 
Program Duration: Ongoing
Delivery Location: Aurora Campus, Inuvik, Thebacha Campus, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife North Slave Campus. All Community Learning Centres.

The Aurora College School of Developmental Studies Department, Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE) curriculum includes six levels of study, ranging from basic literacy to coursework at the grade 12 level.  Courses in this program enable participants to learn or relearn skills needed to meet employment, personal or educational goals.  Participants in the Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE) Program enroll in a program of study according to their personal needs and academic levels.  Because of this, time spent in the program will vary for each individual.

Due to the extensive range of courses available, the course offerings will vary at each Aurora College location (Community Learning Centre and Campus). Participants often enroll in the program as a first step toward entering a certificate, diploma, degree or trade program. Students may take ALBE courses on a full-time or part-time basis through either classroom or distance delivery.

Aurora College has developed a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process to ensure the ALBE curriculum used in the ALBE and Access Programs is current and relevant. 

Applicants must meet the program eligibility requirements. The placement test may be administered to determine an applicant’s academic levels in English (reading and writing) and math skills. The placement tests are not pass or fail, but designed to place the learner at an appropriate level. Also, as part of the placement process, Aurora College staff may interview each participant to assess suitability for the program. If secondary school (grades 10-12) transcripts can be provided, a copy of the transcript will also be used to assist with the assessment. 

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on their ability to meet the program eligibility requirements. Applicants should also include a personal letter indicating why they want to enter the program.

1. Program delivery varies at each program location (community learning centre and/or campus).
2. The core program consists of English, Math, Career/Lifework, Career/College, and Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) Portfolio Development. Social Studies, Science and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and the Financial Literacy Modules may be offered as electives.  Not all courses are available at all locations.
3. An NWT Secondary School Diploma may be obtained by adult learners who complete a minimum of 100 credits, of which 55 are specified academic course credits. The balance may be made up through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), to a maximum of 45 credits for accredited course equivalencies. An application must be completed and documentation must be provided to support PLAR assessment. Completed applications and supporting documentation are to be submitted to the PLAR Evaluation Committee.
4. Full-time and part-time students are placed in a program of study based on their interests and needs.
5. Most courses are delivered in the classroom, but some courses may be delivered through distance delivery.

Students attend all scheduled classes in accordance with College and/or Program policy.

Individuals who are at least seventeen years of age.

For all courses, levels 110 to 145, Biology 20, Chemistry 20, and Physics 20, the student must achieve 50% or greater to complete the course. For levels 150 and 160, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Physics 30, the student must achieve 50% or greater to complete the course.

Aurora College and other Colleges/Universities may require higher course pass marks for entrance into specified programs of study.