For many, adult general education represents a new opportunity to earn a high school diploma or to obtain the necessary prerequisites to pursue vocational or college studies. However, there are also other reasons to choose this academic path.
Some teenagers enroll in the adult education program because they weren’t able to finish the regular high school program. Adult education centres give them the opportunity to continue their education. In this adapted school environment, they benefit from the following:
In this context, adult refers to any person aged 16 or older (as of June 30 preceding the start of the school year) residing in Quebec.
Adult education centres offer specific support that focuses on student retention. For example, the curriculum helps students do the following:
Sociovocational integration services are intended to provide adult learners with the tools they need to enter the job market. They help students do the following:
French courses at an adult education centre are intended for allophones, or immigrants whose mother tongue is not one of Canada’s official languages (i.e., French or English). They aim to help individuals develop French language and intercultural skills. Depending on the student’s level, they teach the following:
The TENS equivalency exam (test d’équivalence de niveau de scolarité) is offered at adult education centres. If you pass the exam, you receive an attestation of equivalence of secondary V studies (AESS), which is required for admission into vocational training programs. Sometimes, an AESS is required to enroll in programs that lead to an attestation of collegial studies. The TENS equivalency exam assesses your school competencies:
If your teen is interested in pursuing their studies at an adult education centre, you can encourage them to speak with a guidance counsellor.
Writing: Amélie Cournoyer
Scientific review : Mireille Moisan, conseillère en orientation
Rewriting : Alloprof Parents' team