Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning AssessmentConsiderations of Policies and Practices

Presented by:Nan Travers, PhDJoseph Villa

What is it?Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)PLA has many different namesPrior Learning Assessment (PLA)Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)Recognition & Validation of Non-formal & Informal Learning (RVNIL)DefinitionPLA is the process by which verifiable learning acquired outside of traditional learning environments is assessed for college-level credit.

PLA has been around for over 60 years!PLA Provides Students OpportunitiesEarn college credit for learning outside of the classroom.

Complete degrees sooner at a lower cost.

PLA Processes: Student & InstitutionalPLA is not just one method or tool!

Institutional ProcessStudent ProcessMany options for PLAPre-Evaluated Learning: Professional Learning EvaluationsAmerican Council on Education (ACE)evaluated college and graduate level learning acquired through formal learning experiences in organizational settings and through military occupations and training. www.acenet.edu National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) evaluated college level learning acquired through formal learning experiences in organizational settings. www.nationalccrs.org Regionally Accredited Institutions Some institutions evaluate professional programs with faculty teams Empire State CollegeThomas Edison State College of NJExcelsiorCharter Oak College of CTVermont State CollegesGranite State College of NHPre-Evaluated Learning: ExaminationsStandardized:College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams Developed by the College Board, with ACE credit recommendation Advanced Placement (AP) ExamsDeveloped by the College Board and evaluated by ACE for college level credit recommendationDSST Credit by Exam ProgramAdministered through Prometric, college level exams, with ACE credit recommendation. UExcel Excelsior College Examination Programa credit-by-exam, computer based program offered through Excelsior CollegeThomas Edison College Examination Program (TECEP) - a credit-by-exam, computer based program offered through Thomas Edison State College of New JerseyNew York University Proficiency Testing in Foreign Languages proctored college-level exams in more than 50 languagesNon-Standardized Challenge ExamsLocal tests developed by a college to verify learning achievement

Portfolio Assessment of Prior LearningEvaluation Process11Where do we see portfolio assessment already?Institutional and program accreditationAcademic program reviewsFaculty tenure process

Research on PLAPLA Program PracticesPLA PoliciesStateRegional AccreditationInstitutionProgram StructuresBarriersEnablersBest PracticesAssessment PracticesCredit applicationAssessment Processes Faculty DevelopmentProgram Review

Program practices vary Lack of institutional understanding overall Faculty concerns about integrity Lack of faculty awareness Lack of professional development for faculty and assessors Almost no programs had formal reviewAssessment Practices Widely varies in credit applicationPortfolio, InterviewsIndividual, Team assessors

14Institutional OutcomesSingle Institutional Studies Retention, Persistence, Graduation Rates, GPA Career Opportunities, Salary Increases

CAEL study (2010)Examined student data from 48 institutions, across US and CanadaSignificant increases based on PLA participationPLA Students had higher graduations rates, Persisted longer and Took more credits at institution than non-PLA counter parts

Research on PLA

Research on PLAParticipation in PLA increases students:ReflectionProblem-solving and tacit knowledgeSelf-regulation/self-awareness/self-directionStudy SkillsUnderstanding of the role of faculty/mentors

Student Outcomes

2.5 Min16SUNY TAACCCT GRANT

survey on pla policiesUnderstanding the nature of PLA programs across TAACCCT partner institutionsSurvey on PLA PracticesPurpose of SurveyInventory of PLA policies, procedures and practices across partner institutions that are already in place

Gather information to assist in the development of training materials, resources and workshops related to PLATAACCCT Empire State College Grant deliverables:

Provide leadership to conduct research on PLA programs across partner institutionsWith PLA Advisory Board:Benchmark current PLA base & best practices Create recommendations for consistent policies and corresponding processes to identify and award credit for work-based experiences of TAA-eligible workers and veteransCreate recommendations to align PLA transferability across SUNY SystemConduct PLA training, as needed Timeline Policies, Procedures & PracticesWhat is the survey asking?Philosophy PracticeEvery practice has an underlying philosophy

Key Areas to ConsiderPhilosophy, Mission, PoliciesInstitutional SupportProgram PracticesWhat is accepted for credits and how are they applied?What strategies are in place to ensure equality and integrity?Recruitment and Training of PLA evaluatorsProgram Evaluation

Five Critical Factors in PLA Programs(Hoffman, Travers, Evans & Treadwell, 2009; Travers, 2013)I. Institutional Philosophy and MissionPhilosophy statements Does your institutions philosophy and/or mission statement support PLA?

Policies that support PLA practicesDoes your institution have specific policy on PLA to guide your practice?

II. Institutional SupportFinancial SupportWhat types of financial supports are in place for students to cover PLA costs?

Administrative SupportWhat types of messages do the administration share with the college regarding PLA?

Faculty Buy-InHow would you describe the overall support that faculty express towards PLA?

III. Program PracticesHow do students learn about PLA opportunities?In what ways can students demonstrate prior learning at your institution?Which Academic disciplines are currently involved in prior learning assessment? Which of the following requirements can be met using PLA credits at your institution? Who makes the final approval of the PLA credits and how they apply to the degree?How do you transcribe PLA credits?

IV. Individualized PLA Portfolio AssessmentDo you offer an individualized prior learning portfolio assessment option to your students? If not, are you planning to?How do students learn how to document their learning and develop a portfolio for assessment?Which of the following components of a PLA portfolio are submitted to be evaluated? What are standard institutional practices for the types of evidence of the students learning that an evaluator uses during the assessment process? What strategies do your evaluators use to measure college-level learning in assessing the individualized PLA portfolios?

Evaluators Credit RecommendationWhat must an evaluator submit to the college after evaluating the student's learning?Who makes the final approval of the PLA credits and how they apply to the students degree?

V. Evaluators for Portfolio AssessmentHow many evaluators conduct the PLA portfolio assessment? What percent of the following are included in your pool of evaluators? (Internal versus external evaluators)How does your program recruit evaluators? What qualifications do you look for in hiring evaluators?

Evaluator TrainingHow do you train your evaluators?What are your most common topics for evaluator training? How do you evaluate your evaluators?

VI. Program ImprovementHow do you maintain consistency and academic quality across your PLA options? How do you evaluate your PLA program?What types of information and resources do you think will be the most helpful for your institution to learn more about different types of prior learning assessment? What areas of your prior learning assessment program do you want to improve or expand? What information on assessment strategies would be helpful to you and your faculty for evaluating collegelevel learning?

For Additional Information:Office of Collegewide Academic ReviewSUNY Empire State College1 Union AveSaratoga Springs, NY 12866

Joseph Villa, Senior Academic Review Specialist(518) 587-2100 x2548 joseph.villa@esc.edu

Nan Travers, Ph.D., Director(518) 587-2100 x2728 nan.travers@esc.edu