It is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access the formal education in schools. This is an alternate or substitute. ALS includes both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. It primarily helps the out of school Filipino youth and adults who have failed to complete basic education, who have not realized their full potential. The program provides students to pro-social skills needed to improve their behavior by focusing on literacy, choice theory, resilience and positive behavior supports. Schools are designed or may involve a range of different educational settings other than the typical schools.

A youth may have early signs and symptoms for ALS to be met, a difficulty walking or doing their normal activities, hand weakness or clumsiness, slurred speech or trouble swallowing aside from the problems and situations carried by the youth to be recommended in this program. 

The Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test, formerly known as the Non-Formal Education A&E Test, is a paper and pencil test designed to measure the competencies of those who have neither attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system. This must be undertaken and passed by the learner who undertake the said program. The learner will be considered a graduate, depending on the test that they took and will eligible to apply for college. Once they’ve gotten the ALS certificate that certifies that they have the same competencies as those of a traditional high school graduate, they may apply for any two, three, four or five-year degree programs at any school, college in the Philippines.

The government is indeed grateful with the positive results of this program that ensures the future of the youth.

         

By: Ellen Baluyot | Teacher II | Bataan National HighSchool| Balanga, Bataan