PLAR - BENEFITS TO THE YUKON

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The North … Large geographical area, small population Great distances to education institutions Limited availability of distance education Need for culturally appropriate curriculum Wealth of experience and knowledge but no formal recognition of life-long learning

The Past …. PLAR in the Yukon has been limited to: – Placement tests – Challenge exams in some areas – Transfer and articulation agreements with other institutions – Some portfolio assessment

The Present … Extensive articulation agreements in place through the Pathways Project PLAR skill sets, tools and processes have been developed for ECE Local portfolio assessors have been trained Piloting PLAR with certificate, diploma and degree students

The Present … The pilot project: 7 students started portfolios towards a Diploma in the fall 2004 and 5 have completed 10 students started their portfolios towards a degree and 10 additional students started portfolios towards a Diploma in May 2005 Students are from communities throughout the Yukon

The Benefits to the Students … Early Childhood Educators can earn credit for the learning that has been gained through working with young children Portfolios allow student to demonstrate their learning against a known standard Tools and expertise are readily available to assist the student Assessment and recognition are integrated into the process Students have a more complete understanding of what they know and what they need to do to achieve certification

The Benefits to the College … We are better able to serve our diverse student population Skill set definition has improved our curriculum Portfolio development and expertise now available at the College Other programs are planning similar approaches

The Benefits to the Community … ECE practitioners involved in the standards and assessment People finally being formally recognized for their learning Recognition of the qualifications of daycare and dayhome workers Improved quality of care

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