{"id":20,"date":"2012-08-30T18:34:37","date_gmt":"2012-08-30T18:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/?page_id=20"},"modified":"2026-05-25T18:32:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T22:32:48","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<h2>What kind of training does ESU offer?<\/h2>\n<p>We can help you upgrade your writing, reading, math, and computer skills. \u00a0Because we are an employment-focused program, we also provide opportunities to work on the soft skills necessary for keeping a job: for example, skills that help you work with others and problem-solving.<a href=\"http:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2433 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"326\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-165x110.jpg 165w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2617-EDIT-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What is meant by an &#8220;employment-focused&#8221; program?<\/h2>\n<p>Our employment focus means that the work done in class happens in an employment context.\u00a0 For example, we practice reading skills using memos, schedules, and policy forms.\u00a0 We practice writing skills using application forms and notes to co-workers and we practice math skills by using invoices and order forms.<\/p>\n<h2>What can I expect when I call?<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>We begin by making an appointment to meet with you. \u00a0We call this the Initial Interview and Assessment.<\/li>\n<li>At the Initial Interview, we will take some time to listen to your hopes and dreams for your life and how upgrading your skills fits into your hopes and dreams. \u00a0If what you are looking for is best found at another agency, we will let you know and help you connect with that agency.<\/li>\n<li>In the Initial Assessment, we take a look at the skills you already have. \u00a0Then we will set a date for you to start in class. The start date can be as soon as the next day if that fits your schedule.<\/li>\n<li>Once you start in class, your teacher will help you compare the skills you have with the skills you need to reach your goal. We will help you identify the skill gaps that need to be filled.<\/li>\n<li>Next, we will prepare a training plan that will help you get the skills you need for your next step \u2013 work or retraining. We will provide you with learning materials that will help you build the skills you need and we will help you when you have questions.<\/li>\n<li>Finally, when you are ready, we will give you a chance to demonstrate that you have learned the skills you needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Can I start anytime?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes!\u00a0 We are a &#8220;continuous intake&#8221; program. \u00a0This means that you don&#8217;t have to wait for the beginning of a new semester.\u00a0 You can start at any time, and leave when you have the skills you came for. \u00a0After your Initial Interview and Assessment, we will arrange a time for you to start. We also offer blended learning with online Employment Ontario upgrading programs including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.learninghub.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Learning Hub<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/goodlearninganywhere.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Good Learning Anywhere<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>In the past, I did not get along very well with math.\u00a0 Should I try again?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes!\u00a0 Many learners have come to ESU after years of avoiding math.\u00a0 They came back to relearn math and learn more math because they found out that math skills are helpful for solving all sorts of problems at home, college and work.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1812\" style=\"width: 258px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1812\" class=\"wp-image-1812\" src=\"http:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"a photo of a square meter made of green tape on the floor - and a thumbs up\" width=\"248\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-165x124.jpeg 165w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-200x150.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-1140x855.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-945x709.jpeg 945w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-750x563.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/IMG_0936-100x75.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1812\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">one square meter<\/p><\/div>\n<p>At ESU, we think of math as a tool to solve problems\u00a0 ..\u00a0 and we do our best to have fun with math.\u00a0 We try to learn it using things we can see and touch.\u00a0 For example, when we are learning about area and A=LxW, we like to get out tape and make a square meter on the floor &#8211; so we can see what a square meter of area looks like.<\/p>\n<p>Based on research, we focus on 4 topics within math that are essential in order for math to be a useful tool: Number Sense, Operation Sense, Mental Math and Problem Solving.\u00a0 Note that <em>long division<\/em> is not in the list.\u00a0 Unless required for the goal, we do not spend time learning &#8220;pencil and paper&#8221; calculations when those calculations can be done more quickly and more correctly by calculator or in my head.\u00a0 Curious to know more about our approach to math?\u00a0 \u00a0Here is a report that explains what we learned when we researched the question, <a href=\"http:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2024\/04\/ESU-Calculator-Use-in-Upgrading.docx.pdf\">What are the most useful things to learn in math?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Do I have to keep up with the rest of the class?<\/h2>\n<p>No. Our learners work in a classroom with other adults who are also working to upgrade their skills.\u00a0 Because each learner is working towards a different goal, each learner is working on their own lessons.\u00a0 That means you don\u2019t have to keep up with anybody else. You can work at your own pace and you can leave when you have the skills you need.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I get my diploma at ESU?<\/h2>\n<p>No.\u00a0 At ESU, we do not offer high school credits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But ..<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>ESU can help you prepare for college even without a diploma!\u00a0 Please see our <a href=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/esu-as-a-pathway-to-college\/\">ESU as a Pathway to College<\/a> page.<br \/>\nESU can help you prepare to write the CAEC test (GED replacement) to earn your High School Equivalency Certificate.\u00a0 Please see our <a href=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/ged-update\/\">CAEC &#8211; the GED Replacement<\/a> page.<\/p>\n<p><strong>And ..<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>ESU can help you prepare to join the <a href=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/pathways\/re-engagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WRDSB&#8217;s Re-Engagement<\/a> program where you can earn credits towards finishing your high school diploma.<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in upgrading so you can attend <a href=\"http:\/\/stlouis.wcdsb.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">St. Louis Adult Learning Centres<\/a> to earn high school credits towards your diploma, we recommend contacting our friends at St. Louis&#8217; upgrading program: <a href=\"https:\/\/stlouis.wcdsb.ca\/programsandcourses\/core-essentials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Core Essentials<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>What are the Essential Skills?<a href=\"http:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2430 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"336\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-165x110.jpg 165w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-1140x760.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/files\/2026\/05\/DSC_2655-750x500.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<p>ESU took on the name Essential Skills Upgrading around 2005.\u00a0 From 1996 to 2021, the Government of Canada used the <strong><em>Essential Skills Framework<\/em><\/strong> to identify the 9 essential skills for learning, work and life. \u00a0These nine skills are called &#8220;essential&#8221; because they are the &#8220;velcro&#8221; that other skills (such as working with others, and problem solving) stick to.\u00a0 In 2021, the Essential Skills Framework was revised to include more of the &#8220;soft skills&#8221; necessary for success.\u00a0 The new framework is called<em><strong> Skills for Success Framework<\/strong>.\u00a0 The 9 Skills for Success are:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<ul class=\"i8Z77e\">\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Reading.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Writing.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Numeracy.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Digital skills.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Problem solving.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Communication.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Creativity and innovation.<\/li>\n<li class=\"TrT0Xe\">Collaboration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To learn more about Skills for Success, visit the Government of Canada&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/jobs\/training\/initiatives\/skills-success\/understanding-individuals.html\">Skills for Success<\/a> website.<\/p>\n<h2>How many hours of training can I get each week?<\/h2>\n<p>Most students at our main sites (ESU-Cambridge and ESU-Kitchener\/Waterloo) attend up to 12 hours each week.\u00a0 Typically, this means 3 mornings or 3 afternoons each week. \u00a0In special situations, students can attend both morning and afternoon classes.\u00a0 Evening classes take place 6 hours per week.<\/p>\n<h2>Do I get my own tutor at ESU?<\/h2>\n<p>No.\u00a0 However, you will have a teacher who works with you one-on-one in the classroom. \u00a0The teacher may be helping up to 12 students at the same time. \u00a0Some of the learning in the classroom happens in groups. \u00a0Some of the learning happens when learners work away on their own lessons. \u00a0Because each person is different, teachers move around the classroom spending time with each person. \u00a0If you are looking for a tutor that works only with you, contact our friends at <a title=\"click to go to the Literacy Group website\" href=\"http:\/\/www.theliteracygroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Literacy Group<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Do you teach English as a Second Language (ESL)?<\/h2>\n<p>We are not an ESL program, however, we do work with people who have English as a second language.\u00a0 If you have English as a second (or third, or fourth&#8230;) language, you will benefit most from our program if your speaking and listening skills are around a <a title=\"Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks\" href=\"http:\/\/www.language.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canadian Language Benchmark<\/a> (CLB) level 6 . If you need ESL help, or if you need your English skills assessed, contact the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ymcacambridgekw.ca\/en\/immigrant-services\/Language-Assessment.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YMCA&#8217;s Language Services\u00a0<\/a>in Kitchener-Waterloo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What kind of training does ESU offer? We can help you upgrade your writing, reading, math, and computer skills. \u00a0Because we are an employment-focused program, we also provide opportunities to work on the soft skills necessary for keeping a job: for example, skills that help you work with others and problem-solving. What is meant by [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\" role=\"complementary\"><a href=\"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/faqs\/\"><strong>Read more about<\/strong> <cite>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/cite> &#187;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14141,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":70,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"no-sidebars.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14141"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schools.wrdsb.ca\/esu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}