ALLIED HEALTH. Departmental Credit by Evaluation HANDBOOK AND APPLICATION

Transcription

1 ALLIED HEALTH CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING Departmental Credit by Evaluation HANDBOOK AND APPLICATION Last Edited October 19,

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 PORTFOLIO General Information 4 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING (CPL) Competency Based Portfolio Assessment Requirements and Procedures.5 PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES...6 SAMPLE COURSE COMPETENCIES...7 PORTFOLIO ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS...9 FORMS: CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING AGREEMENT PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS.. 11 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING APPLICATION 12 PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION CHECKLIST.. 13 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING APPROVAL 14 APPENDIX CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION.i (A.R SECTION A.3) DEPARTMENTAL CREDIT BY EVALUATION 2

3 INTRODUCTION The Maricopa Community Colleges support the concept of lifelong learning to meet the individual growth needs of the diverse group of students it serves. The Maricopa Community Colleges also recognize that learning takes place in a variety of situations and circumstances and that many students have significant, demonstrable learning from experiences outside the traditional academic environment 1. In alignment with this philosophy, eligible students may have opportunities to receive credit for non-college, prior-learning. This handbook outlines some of the options for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) that may be available through individual programs. Note that not all programs may offer these options. Students may receive credit for learning obtained outside the college classroom if the prior learning is at a college level and relates to their individual education program. Competency based portfolio assessment is an evaluation tool for establishing credit for prior learning that enables students to demonstrate college-level learning achieved from experiences gained outside the classroom. Prior learning, not life experience, is the basis for any award of college credit. Any credits received for prior learning are transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges but are not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities. Classroom learning often includes both abstract thought and theory, while learning gained outside the classroom is more often experiential. A challenge to students requesting credit for prior learning through portfolio assessment is to provide documentation that demonstrates the prior learning is reflective of course competencies that often include both theoretical and practical applications. The Kolb (1976) Learning Model 2 provides a conceptualization of how we learn as a continuous circle of experience, observation and reflection, concepts and generalizations, experimentation, and new experiences. The process of portfolio assessment requires that students demonstrate knowledge equivalent to the course competencies for a particular course. It is the student s responsibility to identify course(s) for which he or she would like to document prior learning. Competency based portfolio assessment is not an easy way to earn credits, but rather a rigorous process that enables students, through careful reflection and documentation, to show learning equivalent to that acquired through a Maricopa Community College course occurred. The following pages provide helpful information about documentation of prior learning and the organization of a competency based portfolio. 1 Maricopa Community Colleges: Credit for Prior Learning (AR 2.2.4) 2 Kolb, David A., The Learning Style Inventory, McBer and Company, Boston,

4 PORTFOLIO General Information A Portfolio is a collection of information gathered by the student and presented in a systematic format that validates the experiential learning that has occurred. 1. The student must be currently enrolled in the college and have completed a minimum of one credit hour in their declared program, with a minimum grade of C before Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) credits can be posted to a transcript. 2. Academic credit will be awarded only for course(s) directly applicable to curriculum requirements of a degree or certificate program as outlined in the college catalog. 3. The community college transcript will reflect class credit only; no grades are assigned. 4. It is the student s responsibility to be sure that a Portfolio will be acceptable for credit at any institution of learning the student plans to attend in the future. 5. It is the student s responsibility to maintain a copy of the Portfolio. 6. The student is responsible for the payment of fees associated with credits awarded for prior learning. 7. Per the District policy, students may not request evaluation of a course a second time, while they are currently enrolled in the course, or to establish credit in a previously completed course. 8. The number of credits awarded through credit for prior learning portfolio assessment may be limited by the requirements established by county, state, federal, accrediting, or regulatory agencies. 4

5 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING (CPL) - Competency Based Portfolio Assessment Requirements and Procedures REQUIREMENTS Classes must be directly applicable to the student s declared certificate or degree program as outlined in the college catalog. Prior learning must be demonstrated and cover specific course competencies. It is the responsibility of the student to ascertain the transferability of CPL credits, i.e., other institutions general CPL policies. Transcript will reflect class credit only; no grades are assigned. Admissions and Records (A&R) will assist the student in following the required procedures. COMPETENCY BASED PORTFOLIO The feasibility of a Portfolio is determined by faculty. Student must be currently enrolled and have completed a minimum of one credit hour that is directly applicable to the curriculum requirements of the student s declared degree or certificate program, with a minimum grade of C, before the CPL credits can be posted to a transcript. Format of portfolio is determined by faculty. Preparation and content of Portfolio is the responsibility of the student. All credits awarded for CPL must be evaluated and meet C level standards or higher. Fees: o Credit by evaluation is currently $63.50 per credit hour * PORTFOLIO PROCEDURE Make an appointment with a Program Faculty member for a CPL orientation. Complete CPL agreement with a Program Faculty member in the subject area regarding class prefix, number, title and credits of classes covered by the Competency Based Portfolio Assessment. Complete the Portfolio Components Required Documentation form with the Program Faculty. Once the portfolio documentation is completed, submit the portfolio to the respective faculty member along with CPL Application. Student must maintain a copy of all portfolio documents for their personal records. * Fees are established by the MCCCD Governing Board and are subject to change. 5

6 PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES A portfolio is a collection of information gathered by the student and presented in a systematic format that validates the experiential learning that has occurred. Each course for which portfolio credit is requested must be in the college curriculum and must be part of the student s certificate or degree requirements. PROCESS Prior learning credit through Competency Based Portfolio Assessment requires that the student develop a portfolio using a combination of the documents listed below. The portfolio becomes a part of the student s program record; therefore, the student should retain a complete copy of the portfolio. It may consist of: 1. Credit for prior learning agreement 2. Credit for prior learning application 3. Course competencies for each requested course. Obtain copies of course competencies by using the District Curriculum web site at: 4. Cover letter or summary abstract which relates prior experience and learning to the course competencies 5. Transcripts (unofficial) 6. Competency based documentation (certificates, letters, licenses, work samples, job descriptions, awards, etc.) 7. Interview by the faculty evaluator 8. Other as requested by faculty Upon completion of the portfolio, the student forwards the portfolio and CPL Application form to the appropriate faculty member. Guidelines for evaluation are: 1. Learning must be demonstrable. 2. Learning must have both a theoretical and an applied component. 3. Learning must be at the college level. 4. Learning must be currently applicable. 5. Learning must be equated to the course competencies of a specific course or courses in the college s curriculum and applicable to the student s certificate or degree requirements. 6. Learning must be equated to program accreditation standards and/or professional licensure, certification, or similar credentialing requirements. Within approximately 4 weeks of the student submitting a completed portfolio (if all required documentation is included), the identified Program Faculty member will complete and sign the CPL approval forms. The CPL approval form will then be returned to Admission and Records (A&R) for final review. Fees assessment will be mailed to the student by A&R. Any credit(s) for prior learning to be awarded will only be posted on the student s record once the student pays the appropriate fees. The original credit for prior learning form is kept on file in the Admission and Records office. A copy of the CPL approval form is maintained in the office of the program director along with the portfolio documentation. 6

7 SAMPLE COURSE COMPETENCIES Use the Maricopa Community Colleges District Curriculum web site to access and print the course competencies for each course requested on the form entitled Credit for Prior Learning Application Competency Based Portfolio Assessment. The District Curriculum web site is found at the following url: For example, if a student is requesting HCE 246 to be evaluated for credit for prior learning, the course competencies are found at the url listed above: Use the Course Information option and input HCE246 Select Search. The query search will list applicable courses in the course bank. Select the proper course and print the course competencies. Note: The course date that ends in should be the most recent and active version of the course. The course competencies are an essential component of the portfolio assessment. All portfolio documentation must meet the intent of all course competencies for each respective course requested in the portfolio assessment. HCE 246 Course Competencies: HCE Clinical Microbiology L+L 6 Credit(s) 9 Period(s) Emphasis on microbial infectious and bioterrorism agents, classification, morphology, phenotyping, diseases, biotechnology and molecular technology, quality assurance and quality control, epidemiological significance, and regulatory standards. Application of antimicrobial, biochemical, and differential testing, drug resistance, selection, inoculation and incubation of culture media, isolation techniques, cell culture and viral detection tests, and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. Emphasis on staining, rapid and commercial testing methods, safety precautions, specimen collection, handling, storage, and disposal of biological material, pretreatment, decontamination, and concentration techniques, specimen type, source, and common microbial flora, specimen acceptability, and instrumentation. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Clinical Laboratory Technician program or permission of Program Director. Go to Competencies Go to Outline 7

8 HCE MCCCD Official Course Competencies: Clinical Microbiology 1. Differentiate the types of microbial infectious agents and the associated diseases. (I) 2. Apply safety precautions, use of safety equipment, and appropriate procedures for specimen collection, handling, storage, and disposal of biological material. (II) 3. Evaluate specimen acceptability criteria using protocols and documentation. (III) 4. Distinguish the classification, colony morphology, and phenotypic characterization of microorganisms. (IV) 5. Differentiate the staining characteristics of microorganisms, and prepare and stain direct microscopic smears of specimens. (V) 6. Differentiate the macroscopic and microscopic morphologies of microorganisms, and evaluate and interpret direct microscopic smears of specimens. (VI) 7. Determine appropriate pretreatment, decontamination, and concentration techniques for select microorganisms. (VII) 8. Describe the use of biotechnology and molecular technology in clinical microbiology. (VIII) 9. Properly identify specimen type and source, and specify the common microbial flora found in each specimen type. (IX) 10. Select appropriate media to isolate and identify microorganisms. (X) 11. Perform inoculation and incubation of culture media at appropriate atmosphere and temperatures using standard inoculation techniques. (XI) 12. Evaluate growth on primary isolation media by distinguishing colony morphologies and perform standard isolation techniques to isolate individual bacterial colonies. (XII) 13. Interpret the biochemical and differential tests used in the isolation and identification of microorganisms. (XIII) 14. Differentiate rapid and commercial methods for identifying microorganisms. (XIV) 15. Interpret cell culture and direct method detection tests for viral particles or antigens. (XIV, XV) 16. Differentiate the microbial agents of bioterrorism and describe the role of the clinical laboratory in their detection and reporting. (XV) 17. Differentiate among the principles and procedures of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, drug resistance, and troubleshooting test results. (XVI) 18. Perform and interpret calibration and quality control on instruments used in microbiology testing. (XVII) 19. Differentiate among principles of quality assurance and quality control procedures in interpreting, evaluating, and reporting microbiology test results. (XVIII) 20. Report results considering correlation of culture and direct examination, epidemiological significance, and regulatory requirements. (XVIII) 8

9 PORTFOLIO ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Materials needed: 3-ring loose leaf binder for the course(s) that you are requesting review Plastic sleeve-type sheet protectors Index tabs (extending past the edges of sheet protectors) All required Portfolio Forms (signed) Name labels (with your name and each course number on them) for the front cover and spine of the binder Order of assembly: Place the following in the front pocket of binder (no sheet protectors here): Credit for Prior Learning Agreement, Credit for Prior Learning Application, Portfolio Components - Required Documentation form: 1 copy of each List of all applicable course competencies printed out from The Maricopa Community College District s Curriculum website at: Printout of current unofficial transcript Completed Portfolio Submission Checklist Place the following in the binder - arrange the following pages from front to back in the 3-ring binder (use sheet protectors from this point on): 1. Index tab with Portfolio Forms written on it. 2. Completed Portfolio Submission Checklist 3. Credit for Prior Learning Agreement 4. Credit for Prior Learning Application 5. Index tab with course number and title on it. 6. List of all course competencies 7. Portfolio Components - Required Documentation form 8. All required documentation of learning experience 9. Large and bulky documentation or any unusual items that will not fit into the binder must be carefully packaged, labeled, and submitted with the binder Repeat the above steps 5-9 for each course contained within the same binder. 9

10 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING AGREEMENT I have met with (Program Faculty Name) and have been informed of the Requirements and Procedures for Credit for Prior Learning. I have been given a copy of the Requirements and Procedures and what is expected of me to complete the process of obtaining Credit for Prior Learning. I take full responsibility for knowing the following: 1. All fees are non-refundable. 2. I have met with and entered an Agreement with the appropriate Program Faculty member. 3. I agree and understand the required preparation and documentation content for the CPL Handbook and Program Faculty instructions for compiling the Portfolio. 4. I understand the limited transferability of Credit for Prior Learning credits. 5. I understand that submission of the portfolio does not guarantee that I will receive any credits. 6. The CPL Application and portfolio will be submitted to the Program Faculty by: (date entered here by Program Faculty). 7. Program Faculty will review the completed portfolio within approximately four weeks of receipt. All decisions by Program Faculty are final. 8. Other: PRINT STUDENT NAME Last First MI STUDENT ID # Student Contact Information: Home: Office: Cell: Student Signature I have read, understand, and agree to all of the above. Date Program Faculty Signature Date 10

11 PORTFOLIO COMPONENTS REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION Please use a separate form for each course requested. Student Name Course Number Student ID# Course Name Portfolio Due Date (from Credit for Prior Learning Agreement form) Student Signature Program Faculty Signature Date Date Format of your portfolio is determined by faculty. Please consult with your appointed faculty member to determine what portfolio documentation requirements apply to you for each course. Portfolio Documentation Element Required? Special Notes Credit for Prior Learning Agreement Portfolio Documents Required Documentation Credit for Prior Learning Application Course Competencies Portfolio Submission Checklist Annual Competency Training Awards and Honors Certificates of Training Job Description Letters from Employers/Supervisors Licenses Narrative of Intent Performance Evaluations Portfolio of Works Resume Transcripts Miscellaneous (please list) REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED 11

12 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING APPLICATION Competency Based Portfolio Assessment DATE NAME (Last) (First) (MI) ADDRESS (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) PHONE: Home ( ) Office ( ) Cell( ) STUDENT ID# ARE YOU CURRENTLY ENROLLED AT A MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE? Yes No IF YES, LIST WHICH MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE: MAJOR AA AS AAS AGS Cert LIST MCCCD COURSES FOR WHICH YOU ARE SEEKING CREDIT Course Prefix and Number Title Credit Hours (example) HCE 246 Clinical Microbiology TOTAL CREDITS Student Acknowledges: * Credit recommendations are not guaranteed. * All information submitted is true and correct and my own work. * All fees are non-refundable and subject to change. * Credits awarded may or may not be accepted in transfer by other institutions. * All documentation is subject to further scrutiny for accuracy and compliance upon notification and request for originals. * Students are allowed one original portfolio submission. If deemed incomplete by the Program Faculty, additional documentation will be requested from the student. The original submission date is not affected by this request for additional documentation. * Program Directors (Faculty) are specialists within their field. Credit(s) will be awarded at the discretion of the Program Director (Faculty). * All decisions by the Program Director (Faculty) are final. Without a complete application and list of items, along with all supporting documentation, your portfolio cannot be processed. Student Signature: Date: Program Faculty Name: 12

13 PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION CHECKLIST Student Name: ID: Getting Started Meet with a Program Faculty member for a CPL orientation Review the CPL Handbook Complete Credit for Prior Learning Agreement form and Credit for Prior Learning Application Consult faculty and complete Portfolio Components - Required Documentation form Gather all required documentation Complete the Portfolio Submission Checklist Order for Final Presentation of Portfolio Place one copy of each of the following together in the front sleeve of the Portfolio Binder: Credit for Prior Learning Agreement, Credit for Prior Learning Application, Portfolio Components - Required Documentation form, and completed Portfolio Submission Checklist Also put one copy of each of the Credit for Prior Learning Agreement, Credit for Prior Learning Application, Portfolio Components - Required Documentation form, and completed Portfolio Submission Checklist as the first pages at the start of the Portfolio Binder (in the order indicated) Provide all course competencies Provide all required documentation of prior learning experience Items Checked Program Faculty name and signature appears as required on all forms Requests are numbered on the Credit for Prior Learning Application form Abbreviations and acronyms must be clarified Course Numbers and Titles on the Portfolio Components - Required Documentation form(s) are identical to Course Numbers and Titles on the Credit for Prior Learning Application Your name and the course number(s) are on the cover spine of each portfolio volume. If appropriate, volumes are numbered on the spine Large and cumbersome documentation (e.g., video and cassette tapes, artwork, pottery, etc.) is labeled and submitted inside a labeled container that corresponds to the binder label. Fragile and/or breakable items will not be accepted unless they are protected from possible damage. Items of intrinsic monetary value will not be accepted as documentation. Student Signature Program Faculty Signature Date Submission Date Results will be mailed to your address of record when assessment is complete. 13

14 CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT APPROVAL FORM Date Student Name Student ID# I have reviewed and evaluated the Portfolio submitted for the following courses: Course Prefix and Number Title Credit Hours (Example) HCE246 Clinical Microbiology 6 And have determined that the student has provided sufficient documentation; has demonstrated attainment of the learning outcomes and/or competencies of the course(s), and each course for which Portfolio credit is requested is in the college curriculum and is part of the student s program requirements. PRINT Program Faculty Name Program Faculty Signature Date

15 APPENDIX CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING (AR A.3) The Maricopa Community Colleges recognize that learning takes place in a variety of situations and circumstances. Many students have significant, demonstrable learning from experiences outside the traditional academic environment. Therefore, prior learning, not life experience, is the basis for the award of college credit. Students may be awarded no more than 30 credit hours, unless required by a specific program of study, within the Maricopa Community Colleges using one or more of the following assessment methods recommended by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the American Council on Education (ACE): Articulated Programs Credit By Evaluation College-Level Equivalency Examinations. Students must be currently enrolled in a credit course at the college at which they apply for assessment of their prior learning. Credit awarded through prior learning will be posted to a student s transcript upon completion of one or more credit hours (other than by prior learning) at the college granting credit. Exceptions may be granted at some MCCCD colleges for specifically approved programs. Credit awarded for prior learning does not count as hours in residence for graduation requirements. Exceptions may be granted at some MCCD colleges for their unique programs of study. No more than 20 semester credit hours may be applied to AGEC. Credit received through Prior Learning Assessment is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities. Therefore, students are strongly advised to meet with a program advisor or contact the college or university they plan to attend. For further information on Prior Learning Assessment, contact the Office of Admissions and Records A.3. Departmental Credit By Evaluation Students may apply for Departmental Credit By Evaluation in certain courses by obtaining the appropriate form in the Office of Admissions and Records, and completing applicable paperwork and other requirements of the college, including payment of required fee. See fee schedule for appropriate fee. Fees are not refundable if a student fails to obtain credit. Students may not request: a. the evaluation of a course a second time; b. the evaluation of a course while currently enrolled in the course; c. to establish credit in a previously completed course; and d. to establish credit for a lower level of a course in which credit has been received. Certain departments have additional requirements which must be met before credit may be granted through departmental credit by evaluation. When credit is granted as outlined above, a notation of "credit by evaluation," and the number of credits will appear on the student's transcript. Credit awarded through Credit By Evaluation will be posted to a student s transcript upon completion of one or more credit hours (other than by prior learning) at the college granting the credit. These credits are not used in computing the grade point average. Credit by evaluation is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities. i