PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

O V E R V I E W O F L E A R N I N G C O U N T S . O R G

N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 2

Today’s Agenda

• Background on CAEL

• Overview of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and research

• History of LearningCounts.org

• About LearningCounts.org

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

L E A R N I N G C O U N T S . O R G 3

CAEL’S HISTORY AS LEADER IN PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA)

For nearly 40 years, nationally recognized as the leader in the assessment of learning from life and work experience

Wrote the standards and best practices followed by colleges and universities

Trained hundreds of faculty and colleges in how to assess learning

Recognized by regional accrediting bodies

4

What is PLA?

Prior Learning Assessment is a process for evaluating knowledge and skills in order to award college credit for learning from:

On-the-job learning

Corporate training

Independent study

Military service

Volunteer service

6

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

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

Funded by the Lumina Foundation, March 2010

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

7

How PLA Can Help:Graduation Rates

Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, CAEL, March 2010

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, on-line approach with easy access

Ability to use faculty experts nationwide to review learning portfolios in various disciplines

Why LearningCounts.org

Create and Submit Portfolios

Arrangement includes one portfolio

Faculty from colleges and universities from across the country will evaluate portfolios and make credit recommendations

Two week turn-around

Recommendations sent directly to campus representative for transcribing

Additional portfolios may be submitted (up to XX hours), but are sent directly to LearningCounts, and funded by students

Individualized Portfolios

Portfolio Credits

Portfolio Credits Recommended; 75%

Portfolio Credits Denied; 10%

Portfolio Credits Pending, 15%

Business / Mktg/ Finance

Trade Fields

Core Liberal Arts

Human Resources

Education

Criminal Justice

Public Admin

Portfolio Disciplines

For more information:

colleges@learningcounts.org