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

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.

AGENDAWelcome 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

OVERVIEWPLA 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.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT METHODS

See handout for this discussion about resources and methods.

WHY PLA?

Importance of a State-level focus for increased adult credential attainment

Evidence of success

Sharing experiences

STRENGTHENING PLA PRACTICES

Questions to consider

Information to collect

Strategies to employ

Collaborations to build

PLA IN GULF COAST WORKFORCE THROUGH IT PATHWAYS CONSORTIUM

History

Role

Commitment

CURRENT STORY

Accomplishments

Challenges and Lessons

Approach and Strategies

Tools

THANK YOU!

Dr. Gail Baldwin

gbaldwin@bpcc.edu

Ellen Hewett,

ehewett@worlded.org