Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE)

Program Eligibility

Individuals who are at least seventeen years of age.

Applicant Assessment

Applicants must meet the program eligibility requirements. Aurora College placement tests

may be administered to determine an applicant’s academic levels. Applicants complete the Adult Literacy and Basic Education placement tests to assess English (reading and writing) and math skills. The tools 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.

Program Admission

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on their ability to meet the program eligibility requirements. 

Program Information

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 Literacy and Essential Skills courses may be offered as well. 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.

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

Program Objectives

1. Develop and apply technology, numeracy and literacy skills to meet personal, employment and educational goals.
2. Develop and apply communication skills to communicate effectively and build positive relationships in education, work and personal environments.
3. Apply critical thinking skills and engage in reflective practice to problem solve and make decisions.
4. Develop and apply academic skills to successfully complete course requirements and to gain admission into college/university programs or employment.
5. Develop learning strategies to promote personal, professional and academic growth and to build lifelong learning capacity.
6. Develop goal-setting and self-monitoring strategies to foster independence, perseverance and responsibility for their own learning.
7. Explore their own culture and the history and cultures of the NWT to contribute to the development a strong cultural identity and a positive personal narrative; and
8. Develop a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) portfolio to achieve personal affirmation, gain employment, or obtain a NWT Secondary School Diploma.

Completion Requirements

For ALBE courses levels 110 to 145, the students must achieve 60 percent or greater to complete the course. For ALBE courses levels 150 and 160, Biology 20, Chemistry 20, Physics 20 and Social Studies 20-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Physics 30, students must achieve 50 percent 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. 

Document of Recognition

Record of Participation 

NWT Secondary School Diploma may be awarded by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) to an adult learner that meets the NWT Secondary School Diploma requirements. Students are required to complete and submit the application directly to ECE.