4.4 Each learner is expected to participate with the instructor in the setting of personal goals, development of an individual Learning Contract and in the development of a Code of Conduct for the class.

4.5 Learner accomplishments will be recognized informally as they are achieved and formally with a Certificate of Participation at the end of the program.

4.6 Each program sponsored and/or funded by the Association will follow The Nova Scotia Adult Learning Program and other approved curricula.

4.7 All premises rented or owned by the Association are non-smoking and scent-free.

4.8 Learners will be recruited for programs by referral to the senior staff person from the public and private sectors, by media publicity and word of mouth.

4.9 Learners will be requested to complete a written program evaluation at the end of each school term.

4.10 The referral policy of the ALACBC is based upon the recognition that literacy is fundamental to lifelong learning. As a publicly funded community based organization that responds to the learning needs of adults, we can refuse to provide services only when the provision of service to an individual will interfere with the learning of other students or the health and/or safety of staff or students is threatened.

The free, adult upgrading classes offered to the public by the Association follow the Nova Scotia Adult Learning Program and are designed to assist adults to improve their reading, writing, math and critical thinking skills in order to meet students’ personal goals or in preparation for participation in higher level upgrading offered by the Community College or the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board.

Persons referred to these classes should meet the following criteria:

• Be 19 years of age or older and have been out of school for at least 1 year.
• Have demonstrated initiative along with a desire to learn and to improve their literacy skills; be open to new experiences; be comfortable working in small groups; be prepared to commit to a high level of attendance and to participate to the best of their ability. They should not demonstrate behaviours that will interfere with the learning of others.

The referral process will be as follows:

• If/when staff of referral agencies make a referral to ALACBC programs, they will complete a NSSAL Referral form and fax this form to the office. They will also request the referred person to call the designated staff member to make arrangements for an assessment.
• At the time of this call to the staff member, the prospective student will be able to ask any questions that they may have and will be given information about programs that are available to them. They will also be asked to provide information about their age, educational background, work history and anything else that they think we should know about them.
• The staff member will arrange an informal assessment of their skills.
• Once this assessment is completed, the student will be placed in a program that is appropriate for them, if at all possible. The staff member will notify the referral agency of the outcomes of this process.