Delawareans could save thousands of dollars and months off the time required to complete postsecondary education and training by receiving credit for what they already know from work and other experiences outside the classroom, under a new state framework released today.

The Delaware Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy Framework provides guidance to the First State’s postsecondary education institutions as they develop policies and procedures for evaluating prior student learning and awarding credit for college degree programs or advanced placement into State Registered Apprenticeship programs.  Students can receive credit for full courses at Delaware postsecondary institutions where they can demonstrate they gained the equivalent knowledge and learning from work and other experiences.  The credit for those courses mean big savings on time and tuition costs, especially for working adult students.

“Building a workforce of qualified candidates is important for employers across the state of Delaware,” Governor John Carney said. “Credit for Prior Learning is an innovative and flexible tool for Delawareans to get credit for learning that takes place outside of a traditional classroom, including our neighbors who have experience in the military or in apprenticeship programs. This program will increase opportunities for many Delawareans that deserve them.”

Credit for Prior Learning is not new, Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said: “Many colleges and universities commonly grant credit for prior learning demonstrated through assessments such as Advanced Placement exams or military service. This framework provides certification and degree-granting institutions guidance on other ways students could receive credit for prior learning, a tool that could be especially valuable for returning students and those with non-traditional backgrounds.”

According to Luke Rhine, deputy assistant secretary, Office of Career, Technical & Adult Education (OCTAE), U.S. Department of Education, “Nationally, there are more than 3.5 million learners enrolled in postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. States and institutions of higher education have the potential to position CTE as a catalyst to blur the lines between high school, postsecondary education, and paid work experiences to help students earn postsecondary degrees and industry credentials that our employers need and our economy demands.”

The framework notes credit is not awarded for experience but for college or Registered Apprenticeship-level learning, which entails knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained as a result of their prior learning. CPL is rooted in the notion that legitimate, college-level learning can be achieved outside the traditional classroom setting, such that the learning is equivalent to that experienced in postsecondary education or training programs at the college level and within Registered Apprenticeship.

The task force that developed the framework includes representatives from Delaware’s colleges and universities, the Adult Education Divisions of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, POLYTECH, and Sussex County Vocational Technical School District, and the Delaware Department of Labor.  The Delaware Department of Education provided support through the Adult and Prison Education, Delaware Higher Education, and Career and Technical Education offices.  Framework development was facilitated by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

While the use of CPL is an institutional decision, Delaware colleges, universities, and statewide postsecondary adult education providers aim to deliver CPL in accordance with the framework, which calls for each institution to develop a structure for CPL that is “transparent and accessible to all students, faculty, staff and stakeholders.”

Under the framework, institutions that charge fees for CPL assessments should ensure any fees are based on the services performed in the process rather than the credit awarded and establish a fee waiver policy for eligible students: “No student should be denied access to CPL due to the student’s inability to pay.”

Partners have expressed strong support for the framework.

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)

“Credit for Prior Learning is a transformative tool that improves equity in educational outcomes by increasing degree completion while saving adult learners time and money. In addition to helping them juggle their various responsibilities, it validates the critical knowledge and skills they have gained in their professional and personal lives and says to them ‘You can do this because you are even closer than you know,’ ” Vice President of Initiatives Wilson Finch said.

Delaware State University

“Delaware State University is excited to support the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy Framework. The award of credit for learning from work and life experiences provides under-served, non-traditional individuals with valuable, unprecedented opportunities for degree attainment and marketability.  For those attending Delaware State University, CPL is a “game-changer,’ ” Provost and Chief Academic Officer Saundra Delauder said.

Delaware Technical and Community College

“Delaware Tech understands that our students take diverse paths to arrive at our institution and that hands-on, experiential learning matters in terms of the skills and knowledge students bring with them. We have always been committed to awarding credit for prior learning. We are also committed to applying best practices to this work, which this framework provides, so we can ensure inclusion and access for all,” said Justina Thomas, vice president for academic affairs.

Goldey-Beacom College

“Goldey-Beacom College is encouraged by the work that the Credit for Prior Learning Taskforce has accomplished. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, we support this type of creative thinking which will move the needle for access to different pathways of post-secondary education for Delawareans,” said  Ryan Quann, registrar.

New Castle County Vo-Tech Adult Education

“The Adult Education Division of New Castle County Vocational Technical School District is proud to be a partner in developing the Credit for Prior Learning Policy Framework and recognize the prior learning, skills, and education our students have gained both formally and informally through Career and Technical Education in the classroom and on the job. This will be extremely valuable for students that started their education in CTE and now want to continue or enhance their learning through a college or university,” said Michael Kittel, principal, Adult Education Division.

POLYTECH Adult Education

“Registered Apprenticeship is a way for Delawareans to obtain valuable, industry-driven training and nationally recognized credentials.  POLYTECH Adult Education is excited to be part of the work statewide to expand opportunities for on-ramps into apprenticeship through credit for prior learning.  We are also pleased that in addition to awarding credit as students enter our apprenticeship programs, the CPL framework ensures that Journeypersons and apprentice graduates interested in pursuing a college degree will receive a substantial number of credits for the classroom and on-the-job training they have completed,” said Betsy Jones, director, Polytech Adult Education.

Sussex Tech Adult Education

“This is a groundbreaking initiative that will help to break down the barriers that often prevent students from accessing higher education.  By recognizing the knowledge and skills that students have gained outside of the classroom, or as a result of apprenticeship training and earning a professional license, this initiative will not only provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit but also increase the likelihood of their success in college,” said Mike Hague, industrial training coordinator.

University of Delaware

“The University of Delaware worked with the state to create the new framework and will embark on a discussion of its credit for prior learning policy with the faculty senate, department chairs and all other relevant parties,” said Provost Laura Carlson.  “UD is committed to expanding students’ access to a great education, so this new framework represents a significant step in advancing that goal. There are many productive pathways that Delawareans can take to earn a UD degree, and recognizing the credits they have already earned will help increase their mobility among Delaware’s education institutions, decrease their cost of attaining a degree and, most importantly, enhance their opportunities for academic and career success.”

Wilmington University

“Given our experience with traditional and non-traditional students, Wilmington University has had the privilege of offering credit for prior learning for 30 years,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jim Wilson. “This has allowed us to offer thousands of Delaware residents viable ways to complete their degree programs faster while saving significantly on tuition costs. As a student-centered institution, we wholeheartedly support The Delaware Credit for Prior Learning Policy Framework. We look forward to working with the State of Delaware to ensure every student is rewarded for skills and knowledge accrued outside the classroom.”

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

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