What

is
the
ALS
Equivalency (A&E) Test?

Accreditation

and

The ALS A&E Test formerly known as the Non formal Education A&E
Test is a multiple choice paper and pencil test. The test is designed to
measure the competencies of those who have not finished either the formal
elementary or secondary education. Passers of this test are given a
certificate/diploma (which bears the seal and the signature of the
Department Secretary) certifying their competencies as comparable to
graduates of the
formal school system.
Hence, they are qualified to enroll in high school (for elementary level
passers) and to enroll in college (for secondary level passers).
WHAT IS THE ALS A&E SYSTEM?
The Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency ALS A&S
System is a new non formal 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 non-formal 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 non formal 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
PHILIPPINE Alternative Learning
em (ALS) A&E

Philippine Alternative Learning System (ALS) for drop-outs and out of school
youth

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a free education program

implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Bureau of
Alternative Learning System which benefits those who cannot afford formal
schooling and follows whatever is their available schedule. The program
provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction,
encompassing both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and
skills.

How does it work In ALS, students have to attend 10 months of school or

800 hours in the classroom. Then their performance is then assessed.

Since ALS is a module-based learning system, students come in on a set time

and choose a module to read. A quiz is given after each module to test their
learning. Instead of teachers, facilitators are always present to answer any
questions and sometimes lecturers would discuss a certain module. After
several months, the students will take the Accreditation and Equivalency Test
(AET). If they pass the test, they will be given a high school diploma and can
now enroll in college. Manny Pacquiao took and passed the (AET) under the
ALS program. He was presented a high school diploma, making eligible to
pursue college. After getting a certificate upon passing, the students have
the option to enroll in ALS again or go to a college. I have learners who are
maids,

fishermen,

and

babysitters,

and

saleslady,

In fact, they do not even have to go to class five times a week to finish high
school. Participants of eSkwela just sit in front of a computer for about three
hours a week. They learn according to their need and speed. The eSkwela
has five main learning strands: Communication skills, critical thinking and
problem solving, sustainable use of resources and productivity, development
of self and a sense of community, and expanding ones world vision. Each
student in every session uses a computer loaded with digital modules with
videos and animation. A teacher called facilitator helps students navigate
the digital modules and monitors his/her progress to determine if the learner
is

ready

for

the

A&E.

There are two ways in which you can take the Alternative Learning System,
through the modules (and just months of classroom preparation for the test?)
and through the Internet (with also just months of classroom with the
computers as preparation for the test). For more information about the
latter: click here . The latter is called the eSkwela project - the computerbased way of taking the ALS - but I've read that there are no elementary emodules yet, so the eSkwela for elementary school solely is not yet
available.

For out-of-school youth and adults interested to complete their secondary

education (Accreditation and Equivalency) through eSkwela
1. Is eSkwela separate from DepEDs Alternative Learning System (ALS), and
its Accreditation & Equivalency (A&E)
program? http://eskwela.wikispaces.com/eSkwela+FAQs+
%28for+learner+applicants%29 Get a copy of the CD to do self learning at
home where he can get a copy of the CD. Once he was at the Center,
Angelyn Malabanan, an eSkwela learning facilitator, was generous enough to
provide him not only a copy of the CD but also a walk-through on how ALS
sessions are conducted there, albeit with a technological twist.
No, eSkwela is not separate from DepED-ALS. The difference mainly lies in
the mode of ALS delivery; at an eSkwela Center, ICTs (electronic modules,
Learning Management System, module guides, computers, Internet/World
Wide Web) are utilized to deliver ALS. On the other hand, print modules are
used in the traditional ALS. However, they uphold the same set of learning
ideals (learning that is self-paced, project-based, and learner-centered; life
skills approach). Learners from both delivery modes (traditional ALS and
eSkwela) may aspire to take the A&E exam; upon passing this exam, the
learner will be given an A&E certificate of completion, equivalent to a high
school diploma.
2. How do I qualify for a learner slot at an eSkwela Center?
You should be able to meet the same set requirements required in the print
module version of ALS:
You should be at least 15 years old; if you are younger than 15 years, you
are encouraged to complete your secondary education through the formal
education system (private/public high school).
You should be ready with the required documents: your birth certificate, a
certification from the school you last attended (if you previously went to
school) that you were unable to complete the secondary level.
3. What level of Accreditation & Equivalency (A&E) is currently being offered
at the eSkwela Centers?
Currently, secondary A&E (A&E at the secondary level of education) is
initially being offered at the eSkwela Centers. The elementary A&E will be
offered soon after the elementary e-modules are developed.
4. Is there a test I have to take in order to qualify as an eSkwela learner?
Yes, the eSkwela Center will have you take a Functional Literacy Test (FLT),
which will assess the actual level of education you have acquired.

5. Am I automatically accepted as an eSkwela learner if I already completed

my elementary education?
Your chances of acceptance as an eSkwela learner could be higher if you
have already completed your elementary education, BUT you will still have to
qualify through the FLT.
7. Do I need to know how to use a computer before I can be accepted as an
eSkwela learner?
Although it is an advantage if you already know how to use a computer, it is
not a requirement in order for you to be accepted at eSkwela. The eSkwela
facilitators will be giving you remedial sessions on basic computer literacy
(particularly basic navigation skills, using the mouse, and the Internet
browser) on your first sessions so you will be able to optimally use the
computer for your learning sessions.
8. Is there an enrollment/registration fee at an eSkwela Center?
No. Apart from your regular expenses (transportation, baon) and minimal
fees (some eSkwela Centers have prepared eSkwela shirts as the learners
uniforms and IDs), The eSkwela learning sessions are free.
9. When is the best time for me to apply at an eSkwela Center?
The best time to apply is the period after learners have taken their A&E
exam, which is being administered every October. For most eSkwela Centers,
the learning period starts in January; thus, learner selection is usually done
from November to December of the previous year. However, you can still
inquire at an eSkwela Center anytime for inquiries.
10. How often should I attend learning sessions at an eSkwela Center?
You and an eSkwela learning facilitator will determine your schedule of
learning sessions, in consideration of your work/job (if you are already
employed) and availability. Once finalized, you are required to observe your
learning schedule.
Those who pass the elementary level examination will be allowed to proceed
to the high school level while those who passed the secondary level may
choose to enroll in post-secondary technical and vocational courses. Another
choice is to enroll in two, three, four or five-year courses in member schools
of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and
others likewise supervised by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
They can also avail of the skills training programs of the Meralco Foundation

and those provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development

Authority (TESDA).
What
are
eSkwela
locations
for
enrollment? http://eskwela.wikispaces.com/eSkwela+Centers

school

Posted by Blogger at 9:19 PM No comments:

Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Test (ALS A&E)
Formerly known as the Nonformal Education A&E Test (NFE A&E), the
Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Test (ALS A&E)
offers examiners certification of learning achievements equivalent to the
elementary or secondary level of the formal school
The Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test is designed to provide learners
with a range of alternatives to allow continuity in learning outside the formal
school system. It also determines the examinees' skills and inclinations.
According to Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, Passing the test will pave the
way for their re-entry to formal schooling or allow them a chance to pursue
other productive endeavors.
The test is a standardized paper and pencil test, with multiple choice
questions for approximately 3 hours for the elementary level and longer
by an hour for the high school level, as well as a 30-minute composition
writing portion for both. It covers the five learning strands: in
communication, problem solving and critical thinking, sustainable use of
resources and productivity, development of self and sense of community,
and expanding one's world vision.
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2010 ALS A&E EXAM STARTS ON MAY 3 The
registration for the Department of Educations Alternative Learning System
(DepED - ALS) 2010 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Examination is set
to start on May 3 up to June 15, 2010.
The ALS A&E Test is a national government program that aims to provide an
"Education for All,". It is a free paper and pencil test which is designed to
measure the competencies of those who have not finished either the formal
elementary or secondary education.

Passers of this test are given a certificate/diploma certifying their

competencies as comparable to graduates of the formal school system,
which makes them qualified to enroll in high school for elementary level
passers, and to enroll in any college course for secondary level passers.
Qualified registrants must present any of the following documents on the day
of the registration, to wit: original and xerox copies of the following
government-issued identification with photo (valid driver's license, valid
passport, voter's ID, SSS/GSIS ID, postal ID, NBI clearance or barangay
certification with photo stating complete name and date of birth of the
prospective registrant); or authenticated birth certificate for school-drop-outs
who are not employed and not old enough to acquire the above documents.
The test is free, thus no fees are collected during the registration,
administration, processing and certification.