PLA: Are You Ready?

M I C H I G A N C O L L E G E S U C C E S S N E T W O R KJ A N U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Quick overview of CAEL Prior Learning Assessment

Overview PLA case study LearningCounts.org Q & A, Discussion

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GOALS FOR THIS MORNING

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning

A 501(c)(3) non-profit, international organization with nearly 40 years of lifelong learning experience

National leader in PLA best practices, research, and writing

Dedicated to removing barriers to adult learning

Recognized by regional accrediting bodies

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WHAT IS PLA?Prior Learning Assessment is a process for evaluating knowledge and skills in order to award college credit for college-level learning from:

On-the-job learning

Corporate training

Independent study, such as MOOC’s

Military service

Volunteer service

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PLA TAKES MANY FORMS

Transfer credit

ACE recommended credit

Standardized tests

Student Portfolio College Credit

FUELING THE RACE TO POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS

Background on LearningCounts.org

Reviewed over a 7-year period Compared students with PLA

credits to those without PLA credits

PLA increases graduation rates and persistence; decreases time to degree completion

Funded by the Lumina Foundation, March 2010

A 48-Institution Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Student Outcomes

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HOW PLA CAN HELP: Graduation Rates

Associate Degree students are twice as likely to persist to graduation.

Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, CAEL, March 2010

L E A R N I N G C O U N T S . O R G 7

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!

THE NEW PLAT R A D I T I O N A L P L A

Learning derived from past experiences

Many years of on-the-job learning from experience

Non-credit courses with for-credit content

For-credit tests

P L A T O D A Y

Learning derived from 5 minutes ago

Just-in-time training MOOCs, iTunes

University, Khan Academy

More granular learning, competencies

Badges

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SUCCESSFUL STUDENT PROFILE Understands the time commitment involved in

building a portfolio Has selected portfolio development course with

advising assistance Has strong writing skills Has access to a computer with Internet access

and is a good candidate for online learning Has a degree plan (no duplicate courses)

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PATR

IOTIC

PAT

A CA S E S

T U D Y

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Military VeteranVolunteer

FirefighterWorks for pool

companySpeaks fluent

SpanishNo college

courses

1. Does Pat have PLA?

2. What should Pat do to make sure his PLA is recognized?

3. What is the best pathway for Pat at your college?

PATRIOTIC PAT CASE STUDY

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Not enough colleges granting credit for prior learning

Need for consistent standards Adult learners are not aware of PLA so they

often repeat what they already know Need for a national, online approach with

easy access Ability to use faculty experts nationwide to

review learning portfolios in various disciplines using the CAEL portfolio assessment rubric for high quality assessments

WHY LEARNINGCOUNTS?

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1. One-Stop shop for PLA portal

2. Free PLA advising

3. Individualized portfolio development and assessment

4. LearningCounts.org helps adult learners discover the multiple ways they can demonstrate their college-level learning acquired outside of traditional academia to earn college credit for what they already know.

WHY LEARNINGCOUNTS?

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Students have the option tospeak one-on one with a PLA advisor

to find out which PLA option is right for them

LEARNINGCOUNTS COURSES

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Course Name CAEL 100 Develop Your Portfolio for

College Credit (DYP)

Credit Hours 3 0Course Length 6 weeks Self-paced

Description

This is an instructor-led, online course with weekly assignments. At the end of the course is an optional 2 week facilitated portfolio development workshop. Expect to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to finish assignments and plan on additional hours for building your portfolio. This course delves into experiential learning theory, concepts, and models.

This is a self-paced, interactive online workshop course that can be taken at any time and from any computer or tablet with an Internet connection. The course consists of 8 modules that can be completed in 4-6 hours. Expect to spend 10-20 hours to research and develop the materials for the portfolio. The first two modules of the DYP course for are available online free here!

Start Dates 24 course starts each year Any time, open enrollment

Cost $500 $129

Choose from two courses:

PARTNER NETWORK

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EXAMPLES OF PARTNERSHIPS

• Seattle Apprenticeship Program

• PASSHE

• Employers

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FOUNDATION SUPPORT

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For more information, please contact:

Amy Sherman & Gabi ZollaD: 312-499-2637 (Gabi Work) asherman@cael.orggzolla@cael.org

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QUESTIONS?

DISCUSSION

T H A N K YO U