Waterous urges approval of 'prior learning' for higher ed

Senior policy analyst Frank Waterous, the Bell's specialist on education issues, testified today on House Bill 1072, a proposal that would allow post-secondary institutions to grant academic credits for college-level learning outside the classroom.

We believe this bill – Higher Ed Prior Learning Assessments – will encourage more adults to pursue post-secondary credentials, increase student persistence and completion and further support development of the skilled workforce necessary for Colorado's economic competitiveness.

Examples of "prior learning" include:

• Standardized exams such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP) and the subject tests of the Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.
• Individualized student portfolios, evaluated by faculty subject-matter experts.
• Evaluations of corporate or military training such as those provided by the American Council on Education.
• Evaluations of apprenticeship training done by post-secondary institutions and trade associations.
• Program evaluations of non-credit training, such as the learning acquired through police and firefighter academy programs.

Click here to read Waterous' full testimony.