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Adult Learning Program (ALP)

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Adult Learning Program

The Black Educators Association Adult Learning Program served its first adult learner on September 1996. Since then, BEA-ALP has supported hundreds of adult learners in achieving their educational and career goals. The BEA-ALP is one of several Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning programs offered throughout the province. The program is free to adults who want to improve their: Reading, Writing, Math, computer and essential workplace skills.

Different learners have different needs. Therefore, the BEA-ALP provides learners with three program channels: upgrading, GED preparation, and essential skills building.

The BEA-ALP specializes in providing learners with an experience based on Afrocentric Learning Principles, which is designed to empower African Nova Scotians and peoples of the African diaspora with a sense of pride in the African heritage and a knowledge of African culture and history in the world, from the past to the present. The BEA-ALP welcomes people from all backgrounds and identities to engage in a holistic learning experience that develops personal growth, civic responsibilities and social awareness.

Start, Where You Are
Finish, Where You Want To Be

Upgrading

Adult Basic Education and Upgrading Option is for adult learners interested in building academic skills to prepare for higher learning, employment opportunities, training programs, or for personal reasons. Our program is split into two levels so that you can learn comfortably. BEA-ALP classes are small, giving learners the benefits of the following:

  • Learning at your own pace.
  • Customized learning plans just for you and your needs
  • Skilled and Caring Instructors
  • Comfortable Learning Environment
  • One-on-one, hands-on instruction

Level 1 Communications

BEA-ALP Level 1 Communications class is designed to help adults improve their foundational reading, writing, and listening skills. The Level 1 Communications program is designed for learners wanting to build their skills to participate fully in their day-to-day lives as citizens, workers, parents, and consumers. Learners may also use Level 1 Communications as a refresher to enroll in higher education programs.

Level 1 Communications Topics 

  • Building Fundamental Skills for Improved Writing
  • Building Fundamental Skills for Improved Reading
  • Communicating Ideas & Information with Others

Level 2 Communications BEA-ALP Level 2 Communications class is designed to help adults build confidence and skills in reading, writing and listening beyond our Level 1 Communications class. Learners will develop their abilities to compile, read, understand, and think critically about information from multiple sources while clearly expressing their thoughts verbally and in writing. Our Level 2 Communication Class is excellent for those preparing for the Level 4-High School Diploma program at NSCC, GED Prep Course at BEA-ALP, or Employment Training Programs.

Level 2 Communications Topics 

  • Learning Strategies
  • Developing Communication Skills for Personal Expression
  • Developing Communication Skills to Engage with Others
  • Developing Communication Skills to Gather, Manage and Present Information
  • Using Digital Skills to Research Topics, Create Content and Share information with others

Do you Dislike Math?
Does Math Frighten You?
Do you want to be Better at Doing Math?

If you answered Yes to any of the questions, the BEA-Adult Learning Program is the suitable class for you. We have First-Rate Math Instructors trained to instruct math using Afrocentric Teaching Principles that use Compassion, Understanding, Patience, Showing and Hands-on Learning to help you Win at Math.

Level 1 Mathematics– Easy as 1-2-3

The BEA-ALP Level 1 Mathematics is designed to help adults become comfortable with math. At the same time, they improve their foundational skills to recognize number place, write numbers, and compute numbers using the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Learners will also improve their math skills to apply to their everyday lives. The Level 1 Mathematics program is for adults who want to overcome their fear of doing math and build their skills to participate fully in their day-to-day lives as citizens, workers, parents, and consumers. Level 1 Communications is also great to use as a refresher course if you want to enroll in higher-level math courses.

Level 1 Mathematics Topics

  • Numbers have a Name, Place and Value
  • Improve Adding and Subtracting with Whole Numbers
  • Improve Multiplying with Whole Numbers
  • Improve Dividing with Whole Numbers
  • Using the Basic Operations of Whole Numbers in Everyday Situations
  • An Easy Way to Solve Basic Word Problems for Everyday Situations
  • Identifying Common Shapes and Where They are Used

Level 2 Mathematics

The BEA-ALP Level 2 Mathematics program comes in handy, especially for adults who have been away from school for a while and are planning on enrolling in a program where good math skills are essential. Level 2 Mathematics is designed to help adults build confidence and skills in applying Mathematical skills for readiness in higher level Math used in the following situations: ALP Level 3 at NSCC and 4, GED Prep, Apprenticeship, College, Work and for Everyday Life Tasks. Learners may also choose Level 2 Mathematics to prepare for Military, RCMP, Public Service or other Career Aptitude Tests they are taking.

Level 2 Mathematics Topics 

  • Pre-Bridging Unit from Level 1 to Level 2
  • Proportional Reasoning – Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratio
  • Consumer Math
  • Measurement
  • Geometry Basics
  • Number Interpretation – Statistics and Probability
  • Post-Bridging Unit from Level 2 to Level 3

This inspiring class looks at the lives of people of the traditional 52 Black Communities in Nova Scotia. This unique course teaches you about the histories, cultures, and experiences of African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent. Participants will also learn about elements of the African Diaspora trace the path from the African Continent to the United States to Nova Scotia and all places in between. The class will leave you thirsting for more knowledge on the lives and experiences of African Nova Scotians and People of African Descent. Outcomes achieved from taking this class go toward the learners’ completion of Level 1, Level 2, GED Prep and Essential Skills programs.

BHANSS Topics 

  • Africa Before the Slave Trade
  • The History & Legacy of African Enslavement
  • Nova Scotia Migration
  • A Time of Change: The 60’s, 70’s and 80’s
  • What’s Ahead for the 21st Century (From the 90’s up to Now)

GED Preparation

A General Educational Development (GED) may be right for you if getting a High School Diploma is different from what you want. If it is, BEA-ALP offers daytime and evening GED Prep classes to help you pass the tests.

GED may be an option for you if:

  • You are currently working and need to show your employer proof of high school equivalency but do not want to return to high school.
  • You need proof of high school equivalency to find a job or pursue studies in college or an apprenticeship.

The GED is a High School equivalency Certificate Program and is Internationally recognized. GED is accepted by colleges and university for some programs. However, check before planning your future.

GED Tests are free for Nova Scotia residents

You are eligible if you are:

  • 18 years old or older,
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or refugee or protected person living in Nova Scotia
  • Without a provincially recognized high school diploma
  • GED tests are computer-based.
  • Testing Centres are located at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) campuses.
  • Contact NSCC for a Testing Center near you.
  • Accessibility Services and Accommodations are available. Contact a Testing Center for more information.

You must pass the test for all five subjects in order to receive a GED Certificate.

  • English language arts reading
  • English language arts writing
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social studies

Essential Skills

BEA-ALP Essential Skills Program is designed to help you with the everyday skills we use in learning. These skills allow individuals to succeed at home, at work, and community. Essential skills are the foundation for learning. Employment and Social Development Canada have identified nine Essential skills to help people prepare for, get, and keep a job.

  • Numeracy
  • Oral Communication
  • Working with Others
  • Continuous Learning
  • Reading Text
  • Writing
  • Thinking
  • Document Use
  • Digital Skills.

Even if you have completed high school or post-secondary education, an Essential Skills program can provide learning for other skills, such as digital skills and workplace-specific skills. For instance, our Using Computers for Beginners and Using Computers Beginner’s Plus Programs helped several individuals adapt to working online from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic.