TRENTON, N.J. – Thomas Edison State University will be presenting the 2015 National Institute on the Assessment of Adult Learning from June 2-4 at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, Pa.
The annual event provides an intensive learning experience on the best practices in prior learning assessment (PLA) for professionals in education. This year’s theme, “PLA 20/20: Goals and Visions,” is intended to suggest several directions for exploration, including what prior learning assessment will look like over the next several years, how PLA can help advance college completion in the U.S., and what role technology will play in the assessment and education of adult learners.
"The National Institute gives attendees from institutions all over the U.S. and the world the opportunity to interact with their peers at other adult-serving organizations as well as those who are just entering the field, and learn about what is working, what challenges and issues we share, and how adult learning relates to the rest of the educational field,” explained Marc Singer, vice provost, Center for the Assessment of Learning at Thomas Edison State University, and director of the National Institute. “Thomas Edison State University is proud to host this gathering and foster conversation in the areas of prior learning assessment, competency-based education, expanding access to higher education and more.”
The primary objective is to address issues in the area of adult education and assessment, while serving as a venue for networking and sharing experiences in a casual environment. It continues to be attended by experts and newcomers alike, from all over the world.
Alan Mandell, college professor of Adult Learning and Mentoring, SUNY Empire State College, and Theresa Hoffmann, consultant for PLA Consulting, former director and collegiate associate professor of University of Maryland University College’s Prior Learning Program and currently PLA mentor at Thomas Edison State University will present their preconference workshop, “Prior Learning Assessment Theory and Practice: An Overview of Program Essentials for New Practitioners,” on Tuesday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m.
This year’s Institute also features keynote presentations by nationally renowned leaders in prior learning assessment:
- Meg Benke, PhD, professor and mentor, School of Graduate Studies, SUNY Empire State College. Her keynote takes place on Wednesday, June 3, at 9 a.m.
- Rich Roberts, PhD, vice president and chief scientist, Center for Innovative Assessments, Professional Examination Service. His keynote, “Noncognitive skills: From assessments to intervention in education and the workplace,” will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 9 a.m.
The sponsors of this year’s National Institute include Educational Testing Service (ETS), Excelsior College, Graduate! Network, Office for Assessment of Professional and Workplace Learning at Thomas Edison State University, StraighterLine, SUNY Empire State College, The University Board, and The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
For more information: /national-institute/.
Toni M. Terry, BA