An Overview of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) 1 October 24, 2012

 What class that you took in college was most helpful to you in doing your current job?  What learning that you gained from outside the classroom has been important in doing your current job? 2 Let’s Get Started

 The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning  A 501(c)3 non-profit organization  37 years of lifelong learning and workforce development experience  Nationally recognized as the expert in Prior Learning Assessment  “The CAEL Standards” Meaningful learning, credentials and work for every adult 3 About CAEL

4 When Will We Learn?

P rior L earning A ssessment is a process for evaluating knowledge and skills in order to award college credit for learning from: On-the-job learning Corporate training Independent study Military service Volunteer service LEARNINGCOUNTS.ORG What is PLA?

 48-institution study of PLA and academic outcomes (funded by Lumina Foundation)  62,475 total adult students in sample (adult = age 25 or older)  PLA increases graduation rates and persistence; decreases time to degree completion 6 CAEL Research and PLA Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, March 2010

7 CAEL Research on PLA Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, March 2010 PLA Increases Graduation Rates

For example An adult student who earns 15 credits from PLA applied to a degree saves $1605 to $6,000 on tuition costs.

9 PLA takes many forms Transfer credit ACE recommended credit Standardized tests Student Portfolio College Credit

What is a Portfolio? A formal written, visual, or spoken communication describing, illustrating, and documenting college- level learning– and requesting college credit. Portfolio Identification of prior learning: List and describe learning experiences Essay or narrative: Describe goals and reasons for seeking credit for prior learning; demonstrate how prior learning relates to education goals Documentation of knowledge and skills 10

 Identify Appropriate PLA Candidates  Assess for ITA support  Explain the benefits and process of PLA to clients Where Do You Fit In?

 First, list any and all of the following:  Full or part-time jobs  Independent reading and study  Training programs or in-service courses completed  Volunteer work  Cultural and artistic pursuits  Hobbies and recreational pastimes  Community or religious activities  Military service  Travel study  Organizational memberships Identifying PLA Potential

 Next, ask about the types of college subjects and content areas that match your prior learning.  Then ask yourself:  Is my knowledge equivalent to a college-level course? Identifying PLA Potential

 If yes, explain the benefits of PLA to clients  Task your client with talking with the appropriate college or the LearningCounts.org advisor  If PLA options are available, issue an ITA voucher when appropriate Next Steps

A “system” approach  Tennessee  Indiana  Pennsylvania  Washington  Colorado  Oregon  Vermont  Minnesota

The schools:  Rochester Community and Technical College  Riverland Community College  Winona State University The scoop:  What’s your policy?\  Methods of PLA accepted  What do you need from students?  What do they need to know from you?  Success stories?  Cautionary tales? 16 How Does it Work in Minnesota?

What learning do you bring? 17 Exercise

1.Returning Students have the opportunity to review options with a PLA expert Portfolio Credit Assessment – an online process to demonstrate learning by creating a portfolio and having it reviewed for college credit Testing – students can take a test to demonstrate learning outcomes in a particular subject ACE CREDIT – evaluates training offered by the military, employers, government agencies, and professional associations Using LearningCounts.org 19

2A. Enroll in CAEL 100: Prior Learning Assessment Theory and Practice A six-week, faculty-led, online course (3 credits, evaluated and recommended by ACE CREDIT). Course will teach students how to document their college level learning and lead them through the development of their portfolio. Courses start every few weeks. $500 cost for course Using LearningCounts.org 20

2B. Enroll in D-Y-P: Design Your Portfolio Self-paced online course Six months to complete Learn how to document your college level learning and develop a comprehensive portfolio for evaluation for college credit $129 cost for course Using LearningCounts.org 21 OR

3. Create and Submit Portfolios Each portfolio may be reviewed for up to 12 credits in any one discipline. Students can submit multiple portfolios. Faculty from colleges and universities from across the country will evaluate portfolios and make credit recommendations. Portfolio review cost: $250 per 12 credits Using LearningCounts.org 22

4. Transcription of Credit ACE will transcript course and portfolio credit recommendations made by expert faculty. You can take your transcript to any number of institutions for direct transfer of credit. ACE CREDIT transcripts are routinely accepted by over 2,000 colleges and universities. Using LearningCounts.org 23

 PLA Wizard on LearningCounts.org Coming Soon!

 Worker: Saves time  Employers: Increases pool of trained and educated workers  Regional Economy: Shorter time to a prepared workforce  Workforce System: Saves time AND money Everyone wins with PLA The principle: Only pay once for college level learning Bottom line: It’s worth it!

Discussion  After learning about PLA, how can you see it benefitting your clients?  Dislocated workers  Veterans  Mature adults  Volunteers

Wrap up  What did you learn today?  What are you going to do next?  What do you still need to know?