Basic Skills Certificate - B

The Basic Skills Certificate - B (BSCB) program supports level two and three students to achieve their educational and personal development goals. This program is for students who wish to work on academic skills and independent living skills. Program content includes courses which focus on literacy and math, interpersonal and self-management skills, creativity and self-expression, workplace awareness, and skills for increasing independence.

The program will be offered full-time or part-time to accommodate the needs of students for whom part-time participation is most appropriate. Part-time students will have a maximum of four years to complete the program (under special circumstances the department will give permission for this maximum to increase).

Admission Requirements

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 19 years of age, or be at least 18 years of age and have been out of the public school system for at least 12 months, or have a school leaving certificate. Any applicant not meeting the age requirements must be recommended for admission by a secondary school principal or counsellor and be interviewed by the ASE instructor at the campus which the applicant wishes to attend. The recommendation and interview information will be referred to the ASE underage committee. The applicant will be admitted only if recommended by the committee and space is available. In cases of underage admission, continued registration and attendance is dependent on the achievement of specific educational and behavioural standards outlined in an individual performance contract.

General Requirements: Students must participate in an intake interview with the instructor. The instructor will determine eligibility based on the following criteria. All students must:

• Complete the level two reading assessment (Beginner One Reading Tasks) with a 90% or better in accuracy and 75% or better in comprehension.

• Have the ability to learn and participate in a group setting.

• Be emotionally stable - have no behavioural or emotional problems that would significantly interfere with the learning or safety of self or others.

• Have a commitment to learning.

• Have an identified cognitive disability.

To enter directly into level three courses, students must complete the level three reading assessment (Intermediate One Reading Tasks) with 90% or better in accuracy and 75% or better in comprehension Evidence of the above requirements must include at least two of the following (students must provide documentation at their own effort and expense):

• Psycho-educational assessment

• Records of previous participation in special or supported programs in a public institution or school

• Documentation of disability from a physician or medical specialist

• Referral from Community Living B.C.

• Recommendation from an instructor in AACP, another college, or high school

• Referral from a community agency

Prior Learning Assessment: Students who are accepted into the BSCB Program in 2008, will have prior OC ASE course work from September 2005 through June 2008 credited toward their program.

Special Circumstances: Students who lack appropriate documentation may be admitted conditionally on the recommendation of the instructor with the approval of the department chair. In cases of conditional admission, continued registration and attendance is dependent on the achievement of specific educational and behavioural standards outlined in an individual performance contract. A student who is non-verbal or multi-disabled and requires special accommodations can only be accepted into the program when those specific accommodation needs have been addressed and met. The student may be required to attend with a qualified support person who will be required to participate in a learning contract. Students who have attended Okanagan College ASE courses between September 2005 and June 2008 will be given admission priority in order to complete their program.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of 10 core courses and two electives (12 courses). Courses must be completed within a maximum of four years unless there are special circumstances and approval of the department. Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 50% in each course with an overall average of a minimum of 70%.

Program Outline

Students must apply for admission to the Advanced Skills Certificate program before the beginning to their final semester of this program. Students have a maximum of two years to complete the Advanced Skills Certificate program.