Dive Brief:
- Despite the benefits of awarding credit for prior learning (CPL), higher education institutions lack clear options and services, according to a new report from the American Council on Education.
- The report says that college administrators and students would be more aware of CPL options if policymakers could adopt and cultivate a common understanding of related terms and definitions.
- A second report from the council finds that students need more structure to help them evaluate the quality of competency-based education programs.
Dive Insight:
When higher ed can develop agreed-upon standards on competency-based programs and how to award credit for prior learning, whole new markets will open up for professional training and other modes of education for adults. According to ACE's reports, competency-based programs face challenges in system integration, technology, and process adaptations. With credit for prior learning, colleges and universities have the opportunity to improve student persistence rates and affordability, the council reports. To improve credit for prior learning initiatives, the council provides tips on improving faculty acceptance of the programs, building sustainable programs, and collecting data on success.