Using firsthand accounts of student experiences and input from higher education leaders, Lumina Foundation’s webinar on Thursday noted the impact of prior-learning assessments (PLA) on adult student outcomes.
The event, which brought together over 300 people virtually, also used data from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning’s (CAEL) “PLA Boost” report.
Examples of PLA include earning credit for military or corporate training and exams. Additionally, submitting a portfolio or types of certifications.
“We are focused on taking these research findings and using them to improve student outcomes,” said Dr. Patrick Lane, vice president of policy analysis and research at WICHE. “We are looking at how this information can help institutions, systems, states and even the federal government to ramp up PLA to serve more and more students and ensure that PLA practices help address the systemic inequities in our education systems.”
The report found a number of PLA benefits including a 17% increase in completion rates. For Hispanic students, completion increased by 24% while Black students saw a 14% rise.
Additionally, PLA reduces the amount of time and money to earn a degree. Financial savings range between $1,500 to $10,200. Adult students also save nine to 14 months while pursuing a degree, the report found.
“Being a parent and full-time employee, it is so important with how I use my time,” said Kiabeth Santos, a former student who used PLA. “The faster I can accelerate my degree, the better.”
