College Credit for Prior Learning

Transcription

1 - 1 - Lakeshore Technical College College Credit for Prior Learning Student Information Revision Date: February 12, 2015

2 - 2 - Topic TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction General Guidelines Advanced Standing Through Earned College Credits (Transfer Credits) Wisconsin Technical College System Courses and Credits Other College Course Transfers Transfer Information System Credits Through High School Articulation Agreements LTC-WTCS Secondary School (Signed) Articulation Agreements LTC-Secondary School Requests When No Signed Agreement Exists High School Has No Agreement with LTC Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program Credits Through Examination Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Examinations (IB) College Level Examination Program (CLEP) DSST Exams LTC Examination Advanced Standing Through Work, Trade School, or Life Experience Documentation of Military Training Trade School Training Registered Apprenticeship Program Advanced Sequential Course Concept Credit Through Experiential Learning Reasons Why Credit May Not Be Awarded Appeal Process Attachments Attachment A: Gen Ed College Course Transfer Guide Attachment B: Testouts Available in Testing Services Attachment C: Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

3 - 3 - Introduction Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) recognizes its responsibility to provide advanced placement status to those students with valid and credible learning experiences that have occurred outside of our college classrooms. Credit for prior learning, sometimes called advanced standing, may be granted for the following situations: 1. Postsecondary credits earned at WTCS colleges; 2. Postsecondary credits earned at non-wtcs colleges; 3. High school credits for which students later seek college credit; 4. Credits earned by completing a WTCS program of apprentice-related technical instruction; 5. Subject area competency demonstrated by passing a district or national examination; or 6. Previous work experience, education or training, or other prior learning demonstrated as comparable in content and rigor to a specific technical college course(s). LTC is as committed to the process of granting credit for prior learning as we are to ensuring that the knowledge, competence, and skills required of the course exist. As we evaluate prior learning experiences, our goal is to transition each learner to the workplace and/or next educational level with the base knowledge and skills required to succeed.

4 - 4 - General Guidelines Credit for prior learning must be applied toward a specific program at LTC. o Nonprogram students are not eligible for advanced standing. o Students need to be aware that credits awarded through prior learning at LTC may not be accepted in transfer by other postsecondary institutions. At least 25% of the technical/occupational-specific courses required for the degree, certificate, or diploma requirements will be completed at LTC. Experiential Learning Exception: LTC may authorize an exemption of the 25% technical/occupational course requirements if the exception benefits the student. Experiential learning exceptions include: o Apprentice-related technical instruction o Individualized Technical Studies o Signed transfer agreements with degree and non-degree granting institutions. Transfer credit may be awarded for up to 75% of the degree, diploma, or certificate requirements. Credit-by-portfolio may be awarded for up to 25% of the total program credits. LTC reserves the right to place time limits on prior learning for which credit may be granted. Individual programs may have time limits for accepting credit for courses or experiential learning based on technological changes specific to that field. Students are responsible for providing LTC with appropriate official documentation of prior learning experiences. In the case of foreign transcripts, the student assumes the responsibility of having transcripts evaluated by an approved evaluation agency. Students are encouraged to have their foreign transcripts evaluated course-by-course rather than by degree. A listing of agencies that are approved to evaluate foreign transcripts is found on page 6. The student s LTC transcript will specify which credits have been earned through LTC course completion and which have been awarded through credit for prior learning. Grades earned from other institutions will not be included in the LTC grade point average. For students in shared programs, the students are subject to the same grade and grade point average requirements for class progression. All program classes taken at the shared program college carry grades and are computed in the program grade point average A minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale; i.e., 2.5 on a 5.0 scale) is required for each class that is being considered for credit for prior learning awards.

5 - 5 - Official transcripts are required from the institution awarding the credit.

6 - 6 - Advanced Standing Through Earned College Credits (Transfer Credits) Students who have a postsecondary or professional degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution of higher education will receive credits towards fulfilling WTCS associate degree general education core requirements. Colleges shall evaluate these credits according to the Gen Ed College Course Transfer Guide ( to determine the extent to which the credits apply. Students who qualify for general education credits may need to complete some additional general education core requirements based on documented program-specific general education requirements; for example, science courses for health programs. International credits may qualify for credit for prior learning if the international credits are deemed comparable to WTCS credits offered by LTC. 1. Wisconsin Technical College System Courses and Credits a. WTCS credits will be accepted according to WTCS guidelines and/or program requirements. b. The counselor/advisor will review the transcript(s). c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 2. Other College Course Transfers a. Incoming program and/or general education courses not automatically transferred in will be submitted by the counselor/advisor for instructor and/or dean approval. b. The counselor/advisor may ask the student for further information on the course such as the course description, course level, textbook, syllabus, assessments, or other information that will help the LTC instructor determine that 80% of the course competencies have been achieved c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 3. Transfer Information System The WTCS and the University of Wisconsin System provide all students with a single source to consult about what courses will transfer to technical colleges and the university system. The Transfer Information System (TIS) provides students with on-line access to information about the transfer of credit within and between the two postsecondary systems. LTC will honor courses listed in the TIS as equivalent in content to an LTC course. For example, TIS information affirms that Fox Valley Technical College accepts English courses from UW-Platteville as equivalent to Written Communication; LTC will honor the credit evaluation and accept the transfer course as equivalent to Written Communication at LTC.

7 - 7 - Additional Conditions for the Acceptance of Transfer Credits The student will need to: Have achieved a GPA of 2.0 or higher ( or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale) for which transfer credit is requested. Courses with P grades will be awarded transfer credit only if the transcript indicates that credit hours were awarded and that the P grade is equivalent to 2.0 or higher (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale). Only credit hours will be transferred to LTC, not grades or grade point average. Courses for which transfer credit is awarded must demonstrate that 80% of the course competencies have been met. Courses completed at a non-accredited institution will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine equivalency to LTC course competencies and performance standards. In some cases, students may be required to complete credit-by-examination or other evaluation measures in order to establish equivalency. Transcripts from non-u.s. institutions must be evaluated by an approved evaluation agency. The official transcript evaluation must be sent directly from the agency to LTC. Students are encouraged to have their foreign transcripts evaluated course by course rather than by degree. The following are approved agencies for the evaluation of transcripts from non-u.s. institutions: Center for Applied Research, Evaluation, and Education, Inc. PO Box Anaheim, CA Telephone: Fax: Global Credential Evaluators PO Box 9203 College Station, TX Telephone: Web address: International Consultants of Delaware 3600 Market Street, Suite 450 Philadelphia, PA Telephone: icd@icdeval.com AACRAO International Education Services Telephone: Fax: ies@aacrao.org International Education Research Foundation Web Address: Josef Silny and Associates 7101 SW 102 Avenue Miami, FL Telephone: Fax: Web Address: translation@jsilny.com World Education Services Web Address:

8 - 8 - Credits Through High School Articulation Agreements 1. LTC-WTCS Secondary School (Signed) Articulation Agreements Articulation agreements between LTC and secondary school systems within the LTC district provide a seamless academic pathway from high school into LTC certificates, technical diplomas, and associate degree programs. When a student takes an articulated course, he/she is taking a high school course that results in the same learning outcomes as a similar or identical LTC course. Other WTCS colleges shall accept technical college credit awarded through a high school articulation agreement by one WTCS college for similar courses or those courses adopted as part of a systemwide curricula. On the LTC website, current articulation agreements may be found under Future Students/High School Students. a. During the program advising session the counselor/advisor will review the high school articulation agreement and high school transcript for all courses (regardless of program) the student has successfully completed or is currently enrolled that qualify as articulated or advanced standing courses. b. The counselor/advisor will approve or deny the advanced standing request: Student must receive a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale). In the event two semester or two quarter grades equal a final grade for an articulated course, each course must equal 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale). Credit awarded by articulation is based upon the articulation agreement that was in effect at the time that the student completed the high school course(s). Advanced standing is granted when the student applies for and is admitted to the technical college within 27 months from high school graduation and NOT at the time the student takes the course. c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 2. LTC- Secondary School Requests When No Signed Agreement Exists If a student wishes a high school-level course to be considered as credit for prior learning, the request is reviewed with the program counselor/advisor. Two options with unique processes are available: OPTION 1 High School has no agreement with LTC: a. The counselor/advisor will refer the request to a high school career coach. Note: Plan on a 30-day activity.

9 - 9 - b. The high school articulation process will be followed (see LTC website, Future Students/ High School Student/ College Credit for High School Students/ Guidelines for Advanced Standing.) c. The high school career coach will work with the division dean and instructor to determine if 80% of the competencies have been achieved. The high school career coach may ask the student to provide a course description, course level, textbook, syllabus, assessments, or other information. Student must receive a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale). In the event two semester or two quarter grades equal a final grade for an articulated course, each course must equal 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale). Credit awarded by articulation is based upon the articulation agreement that was in effect at the time that the student completed the high school course(s). Advanced standing is granted when the student applies for and is admitted to the technical college within 27 months from high school graduation and NOT at the time the student takes the course. d. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript e. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. OPTION 2 For students who were part of a recognized Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship program a. The Youth Apprenticeship coordinator will work with the dean and instructor to determine if work/life experience meets 80% of the course competencies. b. The instructor will notify the Youth Apprenticeship coordinator of the final decision regarding the course. c. The Youth Apprenticeship coordinator will complete the Advanced Standing or Course Substitution Request form and forward to Records. d. The Records staff will enter the approved information into the student s record. The RCC will be 4J. e. The Youth Apprenticeship coordinator will notify the student of the final decision by letter. f. The Youth Apprenticeship coordinator will review any advanced standing and recording fees due at a Youth Apprenticeship grading conference. g. The student will (NOT?) pay any credit recording fees. 1. Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations Credits Through Examination LTC may grant credit for successful completion of Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in high school.

10 a. The student will provide the program counselor/advisor with the official score report from the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) if taken at a site other than LTC. Please see for information about how to request an official score report. b. Credit will be granted for a score of 3, 4, or 5 on examinations that are applicable to program requirements. c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 2. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Examinations (IB) a. LTC will recognize the IB Diploma and will award advanced standing credit for the higher level examinations if a score of 4 or higher is achieved. b. The student will request IB to send an official score report directly to the program counselor/advisor. Unofficial copies of score reports will not be accepted. Scores can be requested by contacting: International Baccalaureate North America c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay a credit recording fee. 3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) LTC may award credit for successful completion of CLEP general examinations based upon the American Council of Education (ACE) recommendations for award of credit. Credit will be granted for a score of 50 or higher on examinations or following CLEP s Credit Granting Recommendations available at a. The student will provide the counselor/advisor with an official score report from CLEP if taken at a site other than LTC. The students may access for information about how to request an official score report. b. The student may take most CLEP tests in Testing Services. c. The Testing Services staff will notify the student of the fees. d. The student must achieve a minimum score of 50 for CLEP exams. e. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript f. The student will not pay a credit recording fee. 4. DSST Exams ( LTC may award credit for acceptable scores on DSST college-level examinations as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).

11 a. The student will provide an official score report to the counselor/advisor. b. The counselor/advisor will verify acceptability with instructor, dean, or Registrar. c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay a credit recording fee. 5. LTC Examinations a. The student and counselor/advisor will determine that an examination may be possible. b. The counselor/advisor will reference testout options available through LTC Testing Services during student advising (see Attachment B.) The testout will be either a(n): National or industry prepared assessment that is based on course competencies. LTC originated assessment designed by the instructors. c. The Testing Services staff will inform the student of the test administration fee. d. The Testing Services staff will facilitate the testout and inform the student of the results. e. The Testing Services staff will give the student a copy of the Advanced Standing by Testout form. f. If the student wants the college credit to appear on his/her college transcript (grade of TR), the student will go to Student Services Registration to pay the credit recording fee. g. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript Note: If testout was taken at another college and appears on a transcript, the student will pay a credit recording fee. Advanced Standing Through Work, Trade School, or Life Experience 1. Documentation of Military Training LTC may grant credit for military service training based upon the recommendations provided in the most current American Council of Education (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. a. To receive credit based upon competencies gained through military training, the student must submit an official copy of such training. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard use a transcript service called JST or Joint Services Transcript. The student will request an official copy to be sent to LTC for transfer credit consideration by completing the online Joint Service Transcript system. Service members can also access an unofficial version of their JST any time by logging into the JST system and completing the required steps. ACE provides quality assurance and policy guidance to the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps for military transcripts. Air Force service members will continue to order their military transcripts through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). b. The counselor/advisor will evaluate the transcript.

12 c. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript d. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 2. Trade School Training a. The student will present the transcripts from the trade school not previously mentioned in this document. b. The student may be asked to submit a course description, course level, textbook, syllabus, assessments, or other information that will help the LTC instructor determine that 80% of the competencies have been achieved. c. The counselor/advisor will work with the division dean and instructor to determine if 80% of the competencies have been achieved. The counselor/advisor may ask the student to provide a course description, course level, textbook, syllabus, assessments, or other information. d. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript e. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 3. Registered Apprenticeship Program a. The student will request advanced standing during the program advising session with the counselor/advisor. b. The student will provide the Certificate of Apprenticeship issued by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (minimum of 400 hours of related instruction required). c. The counselor/advisor will provide the information to the Associate Director of Apprenticeship and Manufacturing who will complete the Technical Studies Journeyworker plan. d. The student will be awarded a maximum of 39 credits towards the Technical Studies Journeyworker associate degree for registered apprenticeship-related instruction. e. The student will review the approved advanced standing on his/her transfer credit transcript f. The student will not pay any credit recording fees. 4. Advanced Sequential Course Concept At times credit for prior learning may be granted for courses if they are part of a sequence or continuum of courses in a specific discipline. An example of such approval is when advanced placement is awarded for a remedial course when an intermediate course is passed with a grade of 2.0 or higher (or equivalent course GPA on a modified scale). a. The student and counselor/advisor will discuss the request for advanced sequential course approval. b. The counselor/advisor will work with the division dean and instructor to determine if 80% of the competencies have been achieved. The counselor/advisor may ask the student to provide a course description, course level, textbook, syllabus, assessments, or other information.

13 c. The counselor/advisor will inform the student of the decision. d. The student will pay a credit recording fee.

14 Experiential Learning At times credit for prior learning may be granted for work experience or certifications through non-accredited organizations such as workshops, seminars, training designed for learners to develop specific technical skills or knowledge. Approval of credits is highly individualized and will involve LTC deans and instructor who work directly with the student. The student, under the guidance of the dean and instructor, will prepare a demonstration of the prior learning with one or more of the following methods of assessment: (See Attachment C.) Written Essay Presentation or Speech Document Assessment (based on document products the learner has created through work) Simulation or Demonstration Interview (answers given to a defined set of questions) Witness Testimony (learner assessed based on oral/written reports of those who have knowledge of prior achievements) Standardized or Challenge Exams Journals Role Play/Case Study Evaluations of non-collegiate learning (third party training programs offered by the military or corporations). a. The student and program counselor/advisor will determine that an opportunity for experiential learning may be possible. b. The counselor/advisor will discuss the opportunity with the program dean and/or instructor. c. An individualized approach will be designed. d. A variety of fees may apply and will be reviewed with the student by the dean, instructor, and/or counselor/advisor. A testing fee in alignment with Testing Services A credit recording fee of college credit to appear on transcript e. The counselor/advisor will inform the student of the decision. f. The student will pay a credit recording fee. Reasons Why Credit for Prior Learning May Not Be Awarded 1. At least 80% of the course competencies have not been demonstrated or the college believes it is in the student s best interest for the future career and/or educational process to take the course. 2. The documentation provided to LTC for evaluation did not provide the detail needed to ensure student knowledge and/or skill. Please keep in mind that we will need to certify the student s college-level education and/or skill. 3. The course that the student completed or work experience that the student has may not reflect the current industry standard.

15 Appeal Process Should students not agree with decisions made regarding their requests for credit for prior learning, the grievance process includes: 1. The student will request a review of the decision to the program counselor/advisor. 2. A committee will convene and be composed of the instructional designer, division dean, program counselor/advisor, instructor, Registrar. 3. The request will be reviewed. The decision and rationale will be presented to the student. 4. The student may make a final appeal in writing to the Vice President of Instruction if the student disagrees with the decision of the appeal committee.

16 ATTACHMENT A Gen Ed College Course Transfer Guide LTC General Education Course Incoming Course Requirements Written Communication *Oral/Interpersonal Comm Technical Reporting Written Comm or English Composition Oral Communication or Interpersonal Communication Technical Reporting or Business Writing 3 or more credits. Must include research-based writing assignments 3 or more credits 3 or more credits *Speechs Speech or Public Speaking Intro to Biochemistry Biochemistry 3 or more credits. Course must include giving speeches 4 or more credits with a lab College Mathematics Principles of Sustainability College Tech Math Intermediate Algebra Any non-developmental math course Sustainability or Environmental course One or a combination of college level math courses that include algebra and trigonometry Intermediate Algebra or higher level 3 or more credits 3 or more credits 5 or more credits 4 or more credits Math /Business Apps Finance Math or Business Math 3 or more credits Math & Logic Math & Logic 3 or more credits General Chemistry General Chemistry or a combination of courses that include Organic and 4 or more credits with a lab

17 Inorganic Chemistry General Physics 1 Physics 4 or more credits, math based General Anatomy & Physiology Because these courses vary widely at colleges, a student will need to complete 8 credits of A&P, or Advanced A&P. A student needing just Gen Advanced Anatomy & Physiology A&P will need to have the course reviewed by the instructor Microbiology Microbiology 4 or more credits with a lab Think Critically & Creatively Any sociology course 3 or more credits Intro to American Government Any Political Science course 3 or more credits Marriage & Family Any Sociology course 3 or more credits Abnormal Psychology Abnormal Psychology 3 or more credits, from the psychology dept Intro to Ethics Ethics or Business Ethics 3 or more credits Intro to Diversity Studies Any Diversity course 3 or more credits Developmental Psychology Psychology course that covers the lifespan 3 or more credits, must cover birth through death Economics Any Economics course 3 or more credits Intro to Sociology Any Sociology course 3 or more credits Intro to Psychology Any Psychology course 3 or more credits Intro to College Writing Level 09X Writing Course None Pre-Algebra Level 08X Math Course None Elementary Algebra with Apps Level 09X Math Course None Intro Reading & Study Skills Level 09X Reading Course None *Unless an OR is indicated for these two courses on the program sheet, the transferred course must be specific to the LTC course and have a grade of C or higher.

18 ATTACHMENT B Test-Outs Available in Testing Services School Year Course Name Catalog Number Credits Name of Test-Out/ Department Test/Total to Pass Anatomy & Physiology (General) Gen. Anatomy & Physiology need 78% Anatomy & Physiology (Advanced) Adv. Anatomy & Physiology need 78% Bio-Chemistry American Chemical Exam Questions need 80% Body Structure & Function Body Structure & Function need 78% Challenging Issues CLEP-Introductory Sociology College Mathematics To be determined College Tech Math To be determined College Tech Math 1B College Tech Math 1B need 80% Need to test-out of Inter. Algebra and pass before testing out of 1B Computer Concepts Computer Concepts need 85% Economics CLEP-Principles of Macroeconom. Elementary Algebra w/ Applications CLEP College Algebra OR Elementary Algebra w/ App. English Composition CLEP College Composition Excel Level OPAC need 20 correct, 80% General Chemistry American Chemical Exam Questions 1-60 need 80% Intermediate Algebra w/ Applications Inter. Algebra w/ App. - need 80% Intro to American Government CLEP American Government Intro to Biochemistry American Chemical Exam Questions need 80% Intro to Psychology CLEP-Introductory Psychology Intro to Sociology CLEP-Introductory Sociology Keyboarding OPAC need 25 wpm (2 errors or less) Machine Tool Basic Math mb 1 Machine Tool Basic Math need 77-84% Machine Intermediate Math mi 1 Machine Intermediate Math need 77-84% Machine Tool Advanced Math ma 1 Machine Tool Advanced Math need 77-84% Machine Tool Measuring Machine Tool Measuring need 85% Machine Tool Print Reading Machine Tool Print Reading - need 77-84% Math w/ Business Applications Math w/ Business Applications need 80% Math & Logic Math & Logic need 80% Microbiology To be determined Power Point Level OPAC need 20 correct, 80% Psychology for Life CLEP-Introductory Psychology Technical Reporting DSST-Technical Writing need 50 Welding Math Welding Math 1 need 70% Welding Math Welding Math 2 need 70% Word Level OPAC need 20 correct, 80% Written Communications CLEP College Composition

19 ATTACHMENT C PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT (PLA) Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the evaluation and assessment of an individual s life learning for college credit, certificate, or advanced standing toward further education or training. Learning may be acquired through work, corporate training programs, and military training. Assessment methods may include (from Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) PLA workbook, page 15) and/or be any combination of the following: METHOD DESCRIPTION NOTES Written Essay The learner presents what he/she knows in an essay form. Presentation (Speech) The learner makes a structured explanation of what he/she knows usually with visual aids such as diagrams and PowerPoint presentations. Document Assessment The assessment is based on document products that the learner has created in his or her work. Simulation or Demonstration The assessor watches the learner as he/she performs a task illustrating learning. Interview The assessor interviews the learning orally and provides answers to a defined set of questions. Witness Testimony The learner is assessed based on oral/written reports by Standardized or Challenge Exams Journals Role Play/Case Study Evaluations of Non- Collegiate those who know of the learner s prior achievements. The learner completes a standardized exam that tests a specific level of knowledge in a field or completes an exam created by the assessor based on the content of a given course. The learner presents a record of his/her own learning tasks and activities. The learner acts out or describes what he/she did or would do in response to a given situation or set of conditions. Evaluations by a third party of training programs offered by the military or other corporations. CLEP, AP, Accuplacer ACE