Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) PLA has powerful potential for earning credit toward educational goals, and PLA is owned by the student. How can we encourage students tap resources that they might already possess?

Can college-level learning take place outside the traditional classroom? If so, where? Workplace Life Professional training Seminars Self-initiated study Hobby activities Church or religious activities International travel Volunteer organizations Military training

What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)? Take two to three minutes at your tables to define what PLA is. Learning that is evaluated for content and process Evaluation that is done by content experts An academic review of learning outcomes Learning that is evaluated with common academic standards Evaluation of learning against commonly accepted competencies All of the above

What are some sources of prior learning credit? Credit by examination Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College Level Examination Program, DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, Excelsior College Examination, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Informal experiences (college-level learning) assessment Formal training (American Council on Education Credit recommendation program) Professional licensing Apprenticeships or internships Corporate training Military training

Prior Learning as a resource for attaining post-secondary education goals Assessment of college–level learning that occurs outside the traditional classroom Flexible Cost effective Wide variety of subject matter Empowering Confidence building

Ten CAEL Standards for PLA 1) Credit or competencies are awarded only for evidence of learning, not for experience or time spent.   2) Assessment is integral to learning because it leads to and enables future learning. 3) Assessment is based on criteria for outcomes that are clearly articulated and shared among constituencies. 4) The determination of credit awards and competence levels are made by appropriate subject matter and credentialing experts. 5) Assessment advances the broader purpose of equity and access for diverse individuals and groups.

CAEL Standards Continued 6) Institutions proactively provide guidance and support for learners’ full engagement in the assessment process.   7) Assessment policies and procedures are the result of inclusive deliberation and are shared with all constituencies. 8) Fees charged for assessment are based on the services performed in the process rather than the credit awarded. 9) All practitioners involved in the assessment process pursue and receive adequate training and continuing professional development for the functions they perform. 10) Assessment programs are regularly monitored, evaluated and revised to respond to institutional and learner needs.

Key Organizations in Prior Learning Assessment American Council on Education (ACE)--College credit recommendation services Organizational listing Military Training Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) PLA services Consulting services http://www.acenet.edu/Pages/default.aspx http://www.acenet.edu/news- room/Pages/College-Credit-Recommendation-Service-CREDIT.aspx http://www.cael.org/miscellaneous/main-about-us Other PLA organizations: http://www.presidentsforum.org/consortium-for-the-assessment-of- college-equivalency-cace/ http://www.nationalccrs.org/course-credit-directory

Links to helpful articles https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/18/groups- seek-become-quality-reviewers-boot-camps-online-courses- and-other-noncollege http://www2.ed.gov/documents/college-completion/prior- learning-assessment.pdf https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/08/02/look- students-who-have-earned-credit-prior-learning https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/05/07/prior- learning-assessment-catches-quietly https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/03/04/ace- doubles-down-prior-learning-assessment https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/08/15/saylor- foundations-free-courses-offer-path-credit