Credit for Prior Learning: Guide for Community Colleges

Higher education is experiencing tremendous pressure for improved rates of degree completion to help the U . S. remain competitive in the global economy. Completion has become a high priority for community colleges driven by a reform movement led by federal and state policymakers, accreditors, foundations, businesses, and educators, intended to dramatically increase the number of graduates from the nation’s colleges and universities. At current rates of educational attainment, and as baby boomers retire, the pipeline of college graduates will not be enough to meet future workforce skills demands. To r each current and future U.S. labor market needs, community colleges are focusing on strategies to increase educational attainment of adults. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), also referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), is an innovative approach to address the American skills gap by increasing degree completion by recognizing prior college -level learning. This dissertation presents information and detailed implementation strategies, based on a comprehensive literature review, for higher education stakeholders to use in helping adult learners reach their educational goals. With solid support, human and financial resources, and professional development efforts in place, community colleges who use the Guide will be well-equipped to offer successful CPL programs, ensuring the pipeline of college graduates needed t o meet demands for America ’ s future workforce.