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ABE Students Get Common Credential

A common graduation credential has been established for B.C. adult basic education students with the introduction of the new B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma.

The common credential means that adult learners can take courses through school districts, colleges or both and get similar credits. It will make it easier for students moving across the province and across educational system to get credit for their courses.

The B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma replaces the two credentials that are currently awarded — the Adult Dogwood Diploma by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the ABE Provincial Diploma provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology (MAETT).

The plan is to implement the new credential starting September 1, 1999 in some colleges and school districts. The new Diploma will be completely phased in by September 1, 2000.

The ABE Transitions Project is a joint initiative of the two education ministries. The goal of the Transitions Project is to work toward a coordinated ABE system with a more integrated, learner-centred approach to ABE programming.

The ABE Transition Project builds on the work done by a Joint Committee on ABE which in 1995 recommended establishing a common adult graduation credential as well as:

• joint college/school district regional planning for ABE delivery
• improved articulation of courses — making credit for learning more portable across the two systems
• a standard framework for program quality and accountability

Intended outcomes of the project include streamlined, faster paths to further training and employment and a more effective ABE system.

The common credential was announced on May 28 by Education Minister Paul Ramsey and Advanced Education Minister Andrew Petter.