Canada’s 2006 Census found that 18% of Ontario’s Population had no secondary or post-secondary certification. That is nearly 1 in 5 people in Ontario with less than a formal high school education. For some, personal, family or financial circumstances may have stood as barriers to graduating from high school during adolescence; for others the traditional high school format may not have been in line with how they are most successful. Either way, it is never too late to earn a high school diploma or equivalency. While many of these people may have accumulated life experiences and knowledge that extends far beyond what is taught in a high school, there are very practical reasons for getting back into learning—including, but certainly not limited to, their job prospects.

An adult looking to continue working towards their high school diploma or high school equivalency may still need to put food on the table, still need to work fulltime and still need to be available to their other commitments. A fulltime program running 10 months a year over four years, like traditional high schools, is often not a good match for someone with these concerns. That is why there are a few different paths available to adult learners.

Adult Credit High School
For someone that left school a few credits shy of completing an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), the Adult Credit system could be an excellent fit. In Toronto and York Region, the Adult Credit High School system is quite flexible—offering courses during the day, the evening and by correspondence—and on a quadmester basis, allowing an adult to complete a course in less time than is allotted in the traditional high school system.
Through the variety of courses offered towards an OSSD, one can gear their learning towards very specific goals. In fact, there are even some specialized programs being offered that provide a learner with high school credit courses while earning career specific certificates and experience. These include the Personal Support Worker Program, Police Foundations Program (in collaboration with Centennial College), Childcare Assistant Program, Accounting Clerk Certificate, Office Professional Certificate and many others.

Ontario’s secondary schools recognize the wealth of knowledge and experiences that a mature student may have gained in their life outside of a classroom. As such, an adult looking to earn an OSSD may already have a number of credits available to them. Credits granted for life experiences are assessed on a case-by-case basis through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, but a learner could be more than half way to fulfilling the OSSD requirements before they even begin a class.
Apprenticeships, university studies, college programs or the workforce, all these doors can be opened with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

GED
The GED (General Educational Development) is a test of a person’s knowledge designed to act as certification that they have high school-level academic skills. Technically, to receive the GED, all one has to do is write and pass a test; but in reality, it is often best to participate in a preparatory program for the GED first. These classes can help give adults the skills needed to successfully complete the GED by covering the style of testing used and the content that is tested. For many people this is the quickest route to getting their high school equivalency.

Testing for the GED is available through the Independent Learning Centre, but to find a preparatory program, please contact the Literacy Access Network at 416-961-5557.

It is important to note that if a person is looking to complete the GED as a stepping stone towards a college program or an apprenticeship they may still need to complete further upgrading before being admitted. Often this is because the Mathematics and Science sections of the GED certifies a level of proficiency that is lower than a grade 12 OSSD. It is always best to check with the college or apprenticeship body for the exact admission requirements and where a GED will need to be augmented.

ACE
The Academic and Career Entrance, or ACE, Program is provided by the community colleges of Ontario. It is designed to help adults enrol in a post secondary college program or apprenticeship when they have not completed an OSSD or have an OSSD or GED, but are missing specific courses required by a program.

To earn the ACE certificate, a learner completes four courses. These consist of an English/Communications or French/Communications course, a Mathematics course and then two elective courses that fit with the learner’s academic and career goals. For instance, an individual looking to enter a practical nursing program might complete a Biology course and a Chemistry course as their electives in addition to a Communications course and a Mathematics course. Completing all four courses will earn the ACE certificate and satisfy admission requirements for their next step in education.

ACE courses are also beneficial to individuals that have completed their OSSD or GED, but are short specific courses required for an apprenticeship or college program. In this case, a learner will only need to take the courses that they require for admission. Most often these are Mathematics and Science courses.

Earning a high school diploma or equivalency can bring great rewards to those that undertake the work. To learn more about adult credit high school, the GED or the ACE program, or to have any other questions answered, do not hesitate to call the Literacy Access Network at 416-961-5557.

Casey is the Literacy Access Network Coordinator with MTML.