prior learning assessment in utah higher educationle.utah.gov/jec/priorlearningassessment.pdf ·...
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Prior Learning Assessment in Utah Higher Education
DR. CHRISTIE FOX2 SEPTEMBER 2015
Utah System of Higher Education
Types of student assessment
Typical classroom assessment
Assessment rubrics in Utah focus on essential
learning outcomes
Prior Learning Assessments
Utah System of Higher Education
Utah specific
Framework appropriate to institutions
Embedded in policy
Agreement among institutions
Classroom assessment: Essential Learning Outcomes
Utah System of Higher Education
• A set of established, researched, and validated methods for assessing non-collegiate learning for college credit.
• A process that allows learners to demonstrate knowledge and skill in a particular field or fields and have that learning evaluated for college credit.
4
What is PLA?
Utah System of Higher Education
What kinds of learning are evaluated?
On-the-job learning
Corporate training
Independent study—e.g.,
MOOCs
Military service
Volunteer service
Utah System of Higher Education
6
Why PLA?
75%more likely to enroll in
higher education if they could earn credit for
what they already know
28.1%of Utahns have
“some college, no degree”
Utah System of Higher Education
7
Effect of PLA on Student Completion
6%13%
15%
43%
78%
44%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Did not earn PLA credit Earned PLA credit
Did not earn any credential
Earned bachelor's degree
Earned associate degree
Baccalaureate students
overall are 2 ½ times
more likely to persist to
graduation if they have
earned PLA credit.
Utah System of Higher Education
Effect of PLA on Student Completion
Latino students are
8times more likely to
earn a bachelor’s degree if they have earned PLA credit.
Utah System of Higher Education
9
Barriers to PLA
✜
Students often need help with
difficult material
Limits to credit from NWCCU and residency requirements
Requires institutional
culture change
$
Federal financial aid
policies
Utah System of Higher Education
PLA Pilot with Council on Adult and Experiential Learning
Utah System of Higher Education
Key Prior Learning Assessment Standards
Credit is for LEARNING, not for
experience
Subject matter experts make
credit recommendations
Any fees are for assessment, not for
the amount of credit awarded
Utah System of Higher Education
Most popular disciplines
Health Professions and related programs
Business, marketing, and related services
Liberal arts and sciences
Computer and information systems
Criminal justice
Utah System of Higher Education
Future implications
American public generally in favor
Policy change in federal financial aid & accreditation
Significant financial & time cost to institutions
Student body must become aware of opportunity
Must maintain standards to ensure quality of degree