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Developing a Policy Framework for Assessing and Recognizing Prior Learning

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Foster a culture in support of prior learning. Increase value of all learning and knowledge ... Aboriginal: Demographic shifts indicate a young and fast growing ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Developing a Policy Framework for Assessing and Recognizing Prior Learning


1
Developing a Policy Framework for Assessing and
Recognizing Prior Learning
  • Key Issues for Consideration

2
Background Context
  • Government recognition of the importance of
    developing PLAR policies and strategies
  • Access to the Future Act, 2005
  • Building Educating Tomorrows Workforce
  • A Learning Alberta
  • Building Vibrant Learning Communities
  • Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer

3
Process Timelines
  • Phase 1 Develop a PLAR Policy Framework
  • AET Working Group
  • Stakeholder Advisory Committee
  • Timelines
  • Spring Summer - initial stakeholder input and
    development of a draft Policy Framework
  • Fall - Engage in Stakeholder Consultations
  • Winter - Finalize the Policy Framework
  • 2008 present to government for approval
  • Phase 2 Advance the Policy Framework as a
    Cross-Ministry Initiative

4
Overall Goals Objectives
  • Support a learner-centred system
  • Foster a culture in support of prior learning
  • Increase value of all learning and knowledge
  • Increase access to lifelong learning
  • Increase access for untapped learners
  • Enhance learning and work transitions
  • Provide strategic policy directions for PLAR

5
Definition of PLAR
  • Process of identifying, assessing, and
    recognizing credentials, competencies, and
    knowledge of individuals to facilitate the
    transfer of skills and knowledge in lifelong
    learning and work.

6
Key Considerations
  • Increasing participation access
  • Low advanced education participation rates
  • Delayed transitions into further learning
  • ¼ of youth do not complete high school
  • Over 80,000 working aged adults without high
    school completion
  • 37 of Albertans have low literacy skills
  • Educational attainment gaps exist for Aboriginal,
    rural, people with disabilities, and Albertans
    from lower-income backgrounds

7
Key Considerations
  • Targeting learner groups
  • Aboriginal
  • Demographic shifts indicate a young and fast
    growing Aboriginal youth population
  • Lower levels of educational attainment and
    participation rates among Aboriginal Albertans
  • Distinct barriers related to culture and
    geography
  • International Immigrants
  • Competitive demand for skilled immigrants
  • 20 increase in the number of international
    immigrants in 2005
  • Increased demand for ESL and immigrant bridging
    programs
  • Recognition of foreign credentials and prior
    learning of immigrants a key policy issue

8
Key Considerations
  • Enhancing Workplace Education
  • Strong economy drawing some Albertans away from
    formal learning
  • Lower levels of employer support for education
    and training
  • Large proportion of workplace learning is
    informal
  • Need to increase capacity to capture and track
    formal and informal workplace learning

9
Key Considerations
  • Ensuring Quality Assurance
  • Shift from credentials to competencies
  • Standardization and mechanisms ensure quality
    assessments
  • Common policies for recognition and evaluation
  • Building support for PLAR within post-secondary
    institutions and professional regulatory bodies

10
Key Considerations
  • Increasing Capacity for PLAR Ensuring
    Sustainability
  • Recognition that PLAR activities require time and
    resources for community organizations,
    post-secondary institutions, and employers
  • Capacity and quality through training and
    professional development for practitioners
  • Remove affordability barriers for individuals in
    accessing PLAR services and resources
  • Ensuring funding mechanisms do not create
    barriers to engagement in PLAR

11
Key Considerations
  • Supporting an Integrated Approach
  • Utilization of PLAR in community adult learning,
    apprenticeship system, post-secondary
    institutions, industry and employers.
  • Need to ensure alignment, consistency, and
    synchronicity across government departments,
    educational providers and community organizations

12
Key Questions
  • Do these issues and challenges represent the key
    priorities for Alberta? What other challenges
    might be facing Alberta?
  • In what areas might Alberta experience the
    greatest benefits from implementing a PLAR policy
    framework? Where could we have the greatest
    impact?
  • What barriers or impediments does Alberta face in
    implementing a PLAR policy framework?
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