Prior Learning Forum

Giving Credit Where Credit Is  Due: Policy Strategies for Turning Life Experience Into College Credit

Prior learning assessments, or PLAs, measure what a student has learned outside of the college classroom, evaluate whether that learning is college level, and then determine the equivalent number of college credits. However, prior learning policy is not uniform across the state community college system. The 3-hour forum explored how other states have addressed this issue and efforts to move toward a more uniform approach.

The lead presenters were Amy Sherman, Associate Vice President for Policy and Strategic Alliances at the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Becky Nickoli, Ivy tech Community College, Indiana (below). State policymakers, former students, community and career college leaders participated in two panel discussions. Thank you for your participation!

 Photos

Amy_and_Becky_at_Podium

 

Nov_3rd_Forum_020_2_panel_one

 

Nov_3rd_Forum_039_2_panel_2_decent 


Materials


Skill_Up_PP_CAEL.pdf

Becky_Nickoli_SkillUp_PowerPoint.pdf

PLA_Executive-Summary_030410.pdf  

LearningCounts-general_info.pdf 

LearningCounts_Pilot_Institutions_10.24.11.pdf

 

 

 
 

Latest Research

  • Economic Opportunity Center Feasibility Study

    The City of Seattle in cooperation with SkillUp Washington, Impact Capital and SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) examined the feasibility of integrating multicultural service delivery at a single location accessible along the light rail line. This project stemmed from the legislature’s interest in replicating the Opportunity Center for Employment and Education model located on the campus of North Seattle Community College. Examined here is the possibility of creating a similar Center in Southeast Seattle that could help people get an education, get a job, or grow a business, and the findings suggest that such an Economic Opportunity Center is needed in and desired by the community.

    Download the Executive Summary: EOC: Executive Summary

    Download the Full Report:EOC: Final Report

     

    To request a hardcopy of the Executive Summary or the full report, please email Ashley Plaga at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    View full item ›
Go to Research Center ›