Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency-ALS A&E

WHAT IS THE ALS A&E SYSTEM?

The Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency ALS A&S System is a new nonformal education initiative of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports – Alternative Learning System (DepEd-BALS). It provides an alternative means of learning and certification for out-of-school youth (OSY) and adults aged 15 years old and above, who are unable to avail of educational opportunities of the formal school system, or who have dropped out of formal elementary or secondary education.

ALS A&E VISION
To empower Filipino out-of-school youth and adults to continue to learn on their own so they may improve their quality of life and that of their family, community and country.

ALS A&E MISSION
To provide out-of-school youth and adults with learning opportunities by which they may gain knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will enable them to think critically and creatively ; act innovatively and humanely and achieve their learning goals in order to become a contributing member of Filipino society.

CHARATERISTICS OF THE ALS A&E SYSTEM
The ALS A&E System is characterized by:
»Entry Level Assessment and Counseling of Learners
»Learning Interventions e.g., learning groups, self-instructional modules, individual       tutorials, self-study groups, facilitator-aided sessions, resource speakers, etc.
»Learning Assessment and Evaluation
»Certification of Learners
»Accreditation of Learning Programs
»Articulation of the ALS A&E System with institutions offering tertiary education, vocational training and other post-secondary education programs.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE ALS A&E SYSTEM

I. ALS A&E Curriculum Framework - which contains a learning continuum of essential skills, knowledge, attitudes and values desired for nonformal basic education and designed to be comparable to the formal school system.

II. ALS A&E Learning Materials – comprising learning modules, audio tapes, print and non-print supplementary materials for elementary and secondary levels.

III. ALS A&E Learning Support Delivery System - using inter-agency partnership with NGOs, LGUs, SUCs and other organizations to provide learners a range of flexible learning support services in order that they may continue their learning outside of the formal school system and upgrade their skills and competencies in preparation for taking the ALS A&E tests.

IV. ALS A&E Accreditation and Equivalency Testing – which is based on the ALS A&E Curriculum Framework and designed to provide two levels of certification of learning achievements comparable to the formal elementary and secondary system.

ALS A&E CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

The ALS A&E System uses a truly nonformal curriculum based on five learning areas known as “learning strands”

1. –Communication Skills
2. –Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
3. –Sustainable Use of Resource/Productivity