LIFE-LONG LEARNING: AWARDING CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING Credit for Prior Learning Work Experience Life Experiece Independent Study MOOCs Employer Sponsored Training Military Training 2013 Missouri Community College Association Convention

What is Prior Learning? Prior Learning is experienced-based or alternative learning that takes place outside of an accredited college or university. –Military Training –Work Experience –Life Experience –Employer Training Programs –Independent Study –Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

Credit for Prior Learning Works! A recent study of over 62,000 students at 48 postsecondary institutions found that 56% of adult students who had earned credit for non-credit training or prior experience earned a postsecondary degree within seven years, while only 21% of those who completed credits in the traditional manner did. (Source: Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, Chicago Council for Experiential Learning, 2010)

The Evolution of Missouri’s CPL Model Innovation in workforce education and training enabled by $20M MoHealthWINs grant National priorities included: –Accelerating progress for Low-Skilled and Other Workers Build academic skills in technical context –Improving retention and achievement rates –Reducing time to completion Award credit for prior learning Structure stackable credential frameworks that align/link non-credit and credit courses –Building Programs that meet industry needs Work closely with industry and Workforce Sector Partners to develop/restructure curriculum –Strengthening on-line and technology-enabled learning

The Evolution of Missouri’s CPL Model A work group was formed to develop statewide CPL model. After evaluating several state models, the work group’s consensus resulted in developing a draft model utilizing the Colorado model standard framework. This particular model recognizes policies of various colleges within the State of Colorado and served to set a minimum statewide policy and standard for credit for prior learning. The Missouri Credit for Prior Learning Model resulted. Sets statewide expectations, allowing colleges the flexibility to implement CPL as it fits their institutional mission. Consortia member institutions begin to develop and refine existing local CPL policies and implementation strategies

What were colleges already doing? Are there limitations? College Level Examination (CLEP) – some courses Advance Placement (AP) – some course Retroactive Credit – generally applies with foreign language Industry Credentials Articulation Apprenticeship Training Military Experience Proficiency Examination Program (PEP) – specific courses Departmental Exam – some courses Non-credit to Credit Articulation

How are colleges implementing best practices? Enhancing institutional policies and procedures Ongoing professional development (building on CAEL training) Creating easily accessible, centralized repository of information Supporting work at departmental level Working with external groups (e.g. ACE, veterans organizations)

What are the challenges and opportunities? Transferability Transcript designation Common score required at other institutions Managing unintended cost implications Concerns related to rigor Financial aid eligibility of competency-based education Reverse completion

QUESTIONS and DISCUSSION Credit for Prior Learning Work Experience Life Experiece Independent Study MOOCs Employer Sponsored Training Military Training This material is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.