TRENTON, N.J. – According to the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning’s (CAEL) 2010 report, Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success: A 48-Institution Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Student Outcomes, 56 percent of students 25 and older who earned prior learning assessment (PLA) credit graduated from a degree program compared with 21 percent of their peers without PLA credit, from over 62,000 adult students across 48 colleges and universities. Moreover, the study also found that PLA students earning bachelor’s degrees saved an average of between 2.5 and 10.1 months of time in earning their degrees, compared to non-PLA students’ time-to-degree.
Each year, Thomas Edison State University presents the National Institute on the Assessment of Adult Learning, with PLA at the forefront of the conversation. The 2017 event is being held from June 14-16 at the Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City, N.J.
This year’s theme, The Art & Science (and Business) of PLA, is meant to get attendees thinking about the competing goals that are part of PLA and serving adult learners. Understanding how these can be balanced, or synthesized, can help those in the field achieve their goals along with adult learners.
"Institutions have no choice but to reckon with the business of staying in business, and often the introduction of new programs and policies has to take the bottom line into consideration,” explained Marc Singer, vice provost, Center for the Assessment of Learning at Thomas Edison State University, and director of the National Institute. “However, PLA can enhance an institution’s business model if done right. This year, the National Institute features a number of sessions that consider how to cultivate adult-friendly policies in the current climate of dwindling funding.”
The annual event provides an intensive learning experience on best practices in prior learning assessment (PLA) and other adult-serving approaches, such as competency-based education. The primary objective is to provide a forum conducive to networking and sharing experiences in a casual environment. It continues to be attended by experts and newcomers alike, from all over the world. For newcomers, the preconference workshop, “What Works with Adult Learners,” will be held Tuesday, June 13.
This year’s Institute features keynote presentations by internationally renowned leaders who will bring a unique perspective to those interested in adult learners:
- Alan Mandell, College Professor of Adult Learning and Mentoring, SUNY Empire State College
- Jon Talbot, Senior Lecturer (associate professor), Centre for Work Related Studies, University of Chester
The sponsors of this year’s National Institute include Graduate! Philadelphia; Study.com; Saylor Academy; StraighterLine; and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
Toni M. Terry, BA