what is prior learning assessment and recognition for
TRANSCRIPT
What is Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Mature Students?
And
How Can I Benefit From It?
The Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education
School Board Administrators
www.cesba.com
About CESBA
Who We Are The Ontario Association of Adult & Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA) is the umbrella non-profit network for 56 publicly funded schools (French, English, Catholic and Public) that deliver adult, alternative and continuing education programs across Ontario. CESBA members provide adult programs to over 300,000 learners each year. Boards offer customized career pathway programs that include, but are not limited to, Ontario Secondary School Credit credit and non-credit courses, literacy, numeracy, ESL, FSL, LINC and CLIC (les Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada), International Languages, employment preparation and skills development. Various boards also provide certificate courses in child care assistant, health care such as the personal support worker program, chef training / food preparation, aesthetics, hair styling and massage therapy. Visit us online for additional PLAR resources– cesba.com Note – If you wish to borrow information from this resource please reference CESBA – Thank you!
Table of Contents
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students .............. 1
Am I Eligible for this Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students Process? .................................................................................................. 2
Information about Step 1 of the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students Process – 9/10 Assessment Step ............................... 3
Information about Step 2 of the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students Process – 11/12 Equivalency Step .............................. 6
The Graduation Requirements After Completing the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students Steps ............................................. 10
Appendix .............................................................................................................. 14
CESBA PLAR for Mature Students 2015
1
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students
PLAR for Mature Students is a formal evaluation completed by a principal or guidance
counsellor at an adult high school. Through PLAR you may get credits towards your high school
diploma. PLAR looks at your life and work experiences since leaving high school and credits you
for that experience.
Prior Learning
Credits Earned Towards a Diploma
Knowledge
Experience
Skills
Training
Up to 16 Grade 9/10 credits
Up to 10 grade 11/12 credits
Up to 26 credits may be granted towards an
OSSD
As a mature student you may get up to 26 equivalent credits and may only have to complete
your final 4 credits to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
This could take less than the time needed to study and complete the GED tests.
CESBA PLAR for Mature Students 2015
1
Am I Eligible for this Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students Process? In order to be eligible to apply for PLAR you must :
• be at least 18 years of age on or before December 31st of the school year in which you register at an adult credit granting site
• be out of regular day school programming for at least 10 consecutive months before
registering for credit courses at the adult credit granting facility • have less than 26 credits on your transcript
You are also eligible for the PLAR for Mature Students if you are from outside Ontario and wish to work towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
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PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
There are 2 steps in the PLAR process.
Step 1 As a mature student you can increase your grade 9/10 credit count by
completing 5 assessments and if successful you could be granted up to 16 grade
9/10 credits.
Step 2 As a mature student you may also be granted up to 10 grade 11/12 credits for
recognition of your life and work experiences.
Recognition for work and volunteer experiences as well as life experiences, such as raising a family, can help increase your credit count towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
+ = Up to 10
Grade 11/12
Credits
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Information about Step 1 of the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Student Process – 9/10 Assessment Step
This is the step where a principal or guidance counsellor will review your last high school
transcript to determine which assessments you need to complete in order to bring your Grade
9/10 credit count to 16.
You can get up to 16 grade 9 and 10 equivalent credits.
You may be asked to complete assessments in the following subject areas
• grade 9/10 Math
• grade 9/10 English
• grade 9/10 Science
• grade 9 Canadian Geography
• grade 10 Canadian History
When can I complete the assessment step?
After you register for a high school credit course, you will develop a plan with the guidance
counsellor to determine when you will complete the assessments.
There is no cost for you to go through PLAR for Mature Students.
If you do not have a transcript, you will need to do all 5 assessments.
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To prepare for the assessment:
• review the list of skills necessary to be successful on the English and math assessments in
the Appendix of this document
• ask the principal or guidance counsellor at the adult credit granting site for information
about how to prepare for the history, geography and science assessments
What will appear on my Ontario Secondary School Transcript?
Entries on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript will appear as one line of PLE credits (Prior
Learning Equivalent credits). No marks will be assigned for these credits (see the sample
transcript on page 8).
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Information about Step 2 of the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Student Process – Grade 11/12 Equivalency Step
This is the step where a principal or guidance counsellor will review how your life and work
experience aligns with current high school courses. Your experience as a parent or construction
worker may give evidence of learning that relates directly to the Ontario curriculum
expectations for parenting and construction technology credits. In these cases you may be
granted several grade 11/12 credits towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
You can get up to 10 grade 11/12 equivalency credits at this step.
There is no cost for you to go through PLAR for Mature Students.
To prepare for this assessment,
create a portfolio to show your work
experience, learning, training and
accomplishments.
a. Use a sturdy binder
b. Put pages and certificates into
clear plastic covers to protect
them
c. Ensure there are no spelling or
grammatical errors
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Your portfolio can contain the following information:
a. Any transcripts from high school, or post secondary institutions such as
colleges/universities
b. A resume
c. Training Certificates for short courses or apprenticeship training
d. Letters of appraisal or recommendation from your employers including:
name of the company
duration of employment
type of work done – a list of duties
accomplishments, skills developed and training received
signature of your work supervisor
Record of Employment may be included to prove period of employment
e. Letter indicating volunteer experiences, including number of hours completed
f. Newspaper articles highlighting your achievements
g. Copies of birth certificates of your children
h. A document indicating languages spoken and written
The equivalency step involves:
1. Getting an application from the counsellor at the adult credit high school.
2. Completing the application form.
3. Submitting the application form to the adult credit high school.
4. Meeting with the principal or counsellor to discuss what credits you will be granted and
what your next steps are.
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What will appear on my Ontario Secondary School transcript?
Entries on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript will show the course codes for each
equivalent credit granted for all grade 11/12 courses. No marks will be assigned for these
credits but EQV will appear under the Percentage Grade column (see the sample transcript
below).
Grade 9/10 credits granted
Grade 11/12 credits granted
Total credit count after the PLAR for Mature Students Process
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The sample student transcript on the previous page shows
• 16 grade 9/10 equivalency credits granted for successful completion of the 5
assessments including 14 compulsory credits.
• all 16 credits in one line on the transcript as a block of PLE credits (Prior
Learning Equivalency Credits)
• 10 equivalent credits granted for life and work experiences - note that
o specific courses are mentioned which indicates the areas of prior learning
o no marks are noted on the transcript
In this example, the student was granted a total of 26 equivalent credits which is the
maximum number allowed through the PLAR process. One of the equivalent
technology credits counted as a senior compulsory credit which brought the total
compulsory credit count to 15.
Now the student must complete at least 4 high school credits including grade 11 and
12 English, a grade 11 math credit and one other non-compulsory credit.
The student will have to fulfill the Ontario Literacy Requirement but this can be done
through the Ontario Literacy Course which can also count as one of the final 2
compulsory English courses required.
The principal will determine the number of community involvement hours required by
the student to fulfill this graduation requirement.
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The Graduation Requirements After Completing the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Steps
• 30 credits are required for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
• Through PLAR you may get up to:
o 16 grade 9/10 credits through Step 1 of PLAR
o 10 grade 11/12 credits through Step 2 of PLAR
• You may complete the remaining credits through day school, self-study
(correspondence), e-learning, night school, or summer school
• 18 compulsory credits (18 core courses) are required for an OSSD.
• You may be granted 14 compulsory credits as part of the grade 9/10 assessment step 1.
• You will need to complete 4 additional compulsory grade 11/12 credit courses including:
o grade 11 and 12 English
o grade 11 math
o one additional compulsory credit as agreed upon with the principal or
guidance counsellor
o Ontario Literacy Requirements - successful completion of the Ontario Literacy
Test or Course
o Community Involvement Activities
Completion of the Ontario Literacy Course may count as 1 of the final 4 credits required for graduation.
Number of hours to be completed by a mature student is determined by the principal.
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Where can I do this?
Most adult credit granting facilities in Ontario offer the opportunity to apply for Prior Learning
Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students.
Check with an adult credit granting facility in your area.
Ask your Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) instructor to help you find an adult credit facility in your
area. Contact the facility to set up an appointment to speak with a guidance counsellor.
Or
Contact The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) to get information about their PLAR process.
Ask to speak with a Learner Services Officer.
Learner Services Officers are available between 11:00 a.m. ET and 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday to
Friday
416-484-2704 (service in English only)
416-484-2722 (service in French only)
To call toll-free from outside the local Toronto dialling area:
1-800-387-5512 (service in English only)
1-800-265-0454 (service in French only)
When do I do this?
Call your nearest adult credit facility or contact the Independent Learning Centre (ilc.org) to find
out when and how to complete this process.
Make an appointment at an adult credit facility to discuss PLAR and completion of your Ontario
Secondary High School Diploma.
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Ask the following questions:
Do you offer PLAR for Mature Students?
Am I eligible for PLAR for Mature Students?
If you offer PLAR and I am eligible, can you explain the steps in completing this process at
your facility?
When are the assessments completed?
Are there any deadlines I should be aware of for submitting documents?
How many credits will I need to complete my OSSD?
What specific credits will I need to complete my OSSD?
How will I meet the Ontario Literacy Requirement?
What must I do to fulfill the Community Involvement requirement as it relates to
completing my OSSD? Remember to take a list of community activities that you have
been involved in so far.
How long might it take me to complete my OSSD?
If eligible for PLAR, how do I prepare for the tests and what documentation does the
school require from me for the 11/12 Equivalency process?
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Why would I do this?
Through the PLAR for Mature Students you:
get recognition for your many and varied life and work experiences
learn what you need to get your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) - you may only
need to earn as few as 4 credits
complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma possibly faster than completion of a
GED
get a high school diploma which is seen as a better foundation for employment readiness
than an ACE certificate or GED
learn if your final credits can be taken through correspondence (ilc.org), so you can work
and complete your diploma at the same time (you do not need to attend a school full-
time in order to complete your OSSD)
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Math Checklist to ensure readiness for Grade 11 math and to prepare for PLAR for mature student math assessment.
Math Skills for the Workforce and Grade 11 Math (MEL3E)
*indicates recommendation for workforce math (not required for MEL3E)
Review Measurement
read, write numbers one to ten use measuring tools; rulers, scales, thermometers
count by 2’s, 5’s, 10,s to 100 measure distance, length, width, height
read signs, one digit calculations using +, -, x, ÷ measure weight, volume, angles, temperature *
read signs, two digit calculations using +, -, x, ÷ calculate, converts within/between metric and imperial*
read an analog, digital and 24 hour clock calculate area, perimeter for variety of shapes*
convert time between time zones calculate radius, diameter of circle*
identifies and performs required operation (+, -, x, ÷) in simple word problems
use applications in measurement word problems
Decimals (includes Managing Money) Statistics/Data
understand place value, money place value integrate, analyze, identify trends in data*
+, -, x, ÷ decimals and money concepts understand and use percentages in a circle graph*
round to nearest whole number or $ organize data into tables, charts, graphs
convert decimals to fractions and percents read simple maps including legends
use application of decimals in word problems integrate, analyze, identify trends in data*
understand and use percentages in a circle graph*
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Fractions use application of data analysis in word problems
recognize types of fractions (proper, improper, mixed)
reduce fractions to lowest terms Integers (Includes Managing Money)
+, -, x, ÷ fractions using calculator understand the idea of integers and negative numbers
convert fractions to decimal and percent understand negative bank balance
use application in fraction word problems +, -, x, ÷ integers
solve simple equations
Percents/Ratios (includes Managing Money) solve multi-step equations
calculate tax, tips, discounts use application of +ve & -ve numbers in word problems
calculate unit prices using percent, ratio
compare using percents & ratios by cross multiplying Order of Operations
change percents to decimals, decimals to percents use BEDMAS to solve expressions
determine tax using percents +, -, x, ÷ simple one step calculations
use application in percent/ratio word problems +, -, x, ÷ multi-step with integers calculations
use application in fraction word problems
After completing this page of the checklist you will be ready for Grade 11 Workplace Math (MEL3E) or the Workforce
College Preparation Math Skills
Fractions Pythagorean Theorem
convert between mixed and improper fractions understand where/how to use the Pythagorean
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Theorem
+, -, x, ÷ with same denominators calculate side lengths using Pythagorean Theorem
+, -, x, ÷, finding common denominators use application of the theorem in word problems
use application in complex fraction word problems
Algebra Geometry
understand what variables, terms and coefficients are calculate area regular, irregular two dimensional shapes
understand differences of expression and equation locate points on a grid using a coordinate system
understand how polynomials can represent real life understand what a ‘degree’ means
solve simple equations with binomials recognize different angles (acute, right,obtuse, reflex)
simplify polynomials by collecting like terms calculate area of compound shapes (more than one)
( +, -, x, ÷) polynomials, expanding as needed calculate the area of a circle
use application of solving for variables in word problems
calculate unknown angles using other known angles
understand what parallel and perpendicular lines are
Linear Relations/Graphing calculate angles, parallel lines using Z, C and F patterns
draw and label a grid using a coordinate system calculate interior angles of a triangle
understand what an ordered pair is (X, Y) use application of formulas word problems
plot an ordered pair on the Plane
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label the Origin on the Plane
understand what a linear relationship is
describe a linear relationship with an equation
graph a line (relationship) using an equation and table of values
understand what slope means (positive/negative)
calculate slope of a line (2 ways)
use application of linear relations in word problems
After completing all sections of both pages you will be ready for Grade 11 College Preparation Math (MBF3C)
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English Checklist to ensure readiness for Grade 11 English and to prepare for PLAR for mature student English assessment.
Fill this out with your instructor. See how much you’ve accomplished!
If you can check these all off, you should be ready to write your PLAR English Assessment and move on to
a Grade 11 English credit.
Reading Writing
Level 1
recognizes common symbols
recognizes sight words
decodes common words using phonics
scans simple text for familiar words
reads 2-3 sentences
retells story
Level 1
copies from text
uses capital letters
uses basic phonetic spelling
uses ‘ed’, ‘ing’, ‘s’ endings
simple sentences
uses basic punctuation
Level 2
uses phonics and word parts to decode
reads a short text (2-3 paragraphs) to find simple
information
identifies main idea
makes inferences, expresses opinion
follows simple written instructions
Level 2
writes on topic
capitalizes proper nouns
uses paragraph form
self corrects
good basic grasp of punctuation, spelling, grammar,
(correct verb tense, subject verb agreement)
Level 3
reads short essay to identify topic and purpose
identifies writer’s point of view
makes predictions
draws conclusions
Level 3
compound sentences
uses linking words
uses descriptive language
well organized paragraphs with details
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Level 4
makes difficult inferences
develops and clarifies own point of view
derives meaning from uncommon vocabulary and
sentence structure
Level 4
very few spelling errors
wide variety of sentence type, structure
well linked, developed paragraphs
uses expressive language
Level 5
demonstrates critical thinking skills (analysis,
comparison, evaluation) demonstrates knowledge of literary devices (simile,
metaphor)
Level 5
sophisticated and effective command of vocabulary
creative, persuasive written material
logical development of topic
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