1. ADVANCING SYSTEM-WIDE PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT POLICIES DR. GAIL BALDWIN, CONTENT LEAD RETRAINING THE GULF COAST WORKFORCE THROUGH IT PATHWAYS CONSORTIUM ELLEN HEWETT, DIRECTOR NATIONAL COLLEGE TRANSITION NETWORK WORLD EDUCATION, INC. National Conference on Integrated Basic Skills Pathways ~ Bellevue, WA. April 30, 2014

2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Aim of this session is to spark a dialogue about Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at your states and colleges by presenting the lessons, accomplishments, approach and strategies of this effort. Tools and resources to support the promotion of an integrated state-wide and institutional policies will be shared.

3. AGENDA Welcome and Introductions Overview Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Methods Importance of a State-level focus on PLA as a Tool for Increased Adult Credential Attainment Questions to Consider When Developing State-wide and College-wide PLA Policies and Practices Role of PLA in Gulf Coast Workforce through IT Pathways Consortium Accomplishments, Lessons and Challenges, Strategies, and Tools of Consortium Effort Closing

4. OVERVIEW PLA is an emerging acceleration strategy to promote learners’ completion of college-level credentialing programs. Retraining the Gulf Coast Workforce through IT Pathways Consortium of Louisiana and Mississippi is implementing and promoting PLA. The National College Transition Network’s (NCTN) is a national partner guiding this effort.

5. PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT METHODS See handout for this discussion about resources and methods.

6. WHY PLA? Importance of a State-level focus for increased adult credential attainment Evidence of success Sharing experiences

7. STRENGTHENING PLA PRACTICES Questions to consider Information to collect Strategies to employ Collaborations to build

8. PLA IN GULF COAST WORKFORCE THROUGH IT PATHWAYS CONSORTIUM History Role Commitment

9. CURRENT STORY Accomplishments Challenges and Lessons Approach and Strategies Tools

10. THANK YOU! Dr. Gail Baldwin gbaldwin@bpcc.edu Ellen Hewett, ehewett@worlded.org