Adult Literacy and Basic Education

What is the overall impact of the initiative and how is this measured?

Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms:

• Achieving general program goals – at the end of every level, learners are required to pass an exit exam.

• Tracking program adherence by participants – instructors assess using a variety of methods on a regular basis

• Tracking program adherence by Staff – Regional Program Heads for Aurora College monitor the delivery in their region. As well, yearly in-service training events are provided to instructors and adult educations. This is a partnership where the Department and the College plan and deliver the in-service as a team.

• Assessing participant knowledge acquisition
Exit exams and various other assessment methods such as checklists

What are 3 key lessons you learned from developing or delivering your initiative? What advice from those lessons would you share with others?

We have learned that shorter, targeted courses or modules will work better and will improve completion rates for some of our learners.

Which Essential Skills are covered by the initiative? Reading Text Document Use Numeracy Writing Oral Communications Working with Others Thinking Skills Computer Use Continuous Learning

How are the Essential Skills integrated into your initiative?

The nine essential skills are integrated into the curriculum.  As well, complete courses in English, Math and Computer Use are delivered.

How do you assess participant Essential Skills?

Exit exams and various other assessment methods such as checklists.

What are the components of the initiative? Academic upgrading Work-integrated learning (i.e., internships, co-ops, work placements, etc.) Life skills Career and/or educational planning Cultural, language, and tradition awareness and/or training

How was Indigenous culture integrated into the program content or delivery?

All students enrolled in ALBE have the opportunity to attend a one day on the land component of the program which includes traditional knowledge taught by local Indigenous elders.

What do you think are the most important competencies and attributes for staff involved in this initiative to have?

1. An understanding of adult learning principles and strategies.
2. An understanding of how colonization and residential school has impacted adult residents.
3. A thirst for knowledge that the students can provide.
4. The ability to deliver using critical pedagogy.

Who are your partners, and what is their involvement in the initiative?

Aurora College, Native Women’s Association of the NWT, Tree of Peace Friendship Centre and the Department of Justice.