Knowledge & Employability (KAE)

The Knowledge and Employability (KAE) program in Alberta high schools is a specialized course sequence designed to support students who learn best through hands-on, experiential activities and who are typically working below grade level. The overall purpose is to provide a relevant and successful path to high school completion and a smooth transition into the workplace or further vocational training.

Students in the high school KAE program are working toward a High School Certificate of Completion.

English 10-4 (5 credits)

Recommended for students who have earned less than 40% in Language Arts 9. 

English 10-4 focuses on establishing fundamental communication skills necessary for basic functional literacy and interaction in common contexts.

English 20-4 (5 credits each)

Prerequisite: 50% in English 10-4

English 20-4 builds on the foundational skills of English 10-4, focusing on developing the more advanced communication skills needed for entry-level employment and responsible participation in the community.

To earn a High School Certificate of Completion, students must successfully complete English 20-2 or English 30-4 (commonly offered in an English 20-2 class).

Social Studies 10-4 (5 credits)

Recommended for students who have earned less than 40% in Social Studies 9. 

Social Studies 10-4 is designed to establish foundational knowledge about citizenship, government, and personal responsibility within the context of the student's immediate community and Canada.

Social Studies 20-4 (5 credits)

Prerequisite: 50% in Social Studies 10-4

Social Studies 20-4 builds on the foundations of Social Studies 10-4, broadening the student's perspective to include provincial, national, and global issues, with a strong focus on the workplace and economic literacy.

To earn a High School Certificate of Completion, students must successfully complete Social 20-4 or Social 10-2.

Math 10-4 (5 credits)

Recommended for students who have earned less than 40% in Math 9.

Math 10-4 focuses on the basic mathematical skills necessary for personal finance, measurement, and data interpretation in simple, common contexts.

Math 20-4 (5 credits)

Prerequisite: 50% in Math 10-4

Math 20-4 builds on the foundational skills of Math 10-4, focusing on more complex mathematical applications directly related to the workplace, consumer transactions, and geometry needed in trades or vocational fields.

To earn a High School Certificate of Completion, students must successfully complete either Math 20-4 or Math 10-3.

Science 10-4 (5 credits)

Recommended for students who have earned less than 40% in Science 9.

Science 10-4 focuses on the immediate scientific knowledge required for personal health, home safety, and basic environmental awareness.

Science 20-4 (5 credits)

Prerequisite: 50% in Science 10-4

Science 20-4 builds on the foundations of Science 10-4, focusing on more complex scientific concepts as they relate to workplace environments, technology, and applied physics and chemistry.

To earn a High School Certificate of Completion, students must successfully complete either Science 20-4 or Science 14.