How Prior Learning Credit Opens Pathways to Higher Education Access

Monday, June 29, 2026 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM · 1 hr. (America/New_York)
Innovator Talk
Professional Learning and Development

Information

Discover how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) revolutionizes higher education access for adult learners. Explore evidence-based methods for assessing college-level learning from professional certifications, military service, exams, and training programs. Learn how CPL aligns with adult learning principles, reduces degree completion barriers, and honors learners' expertise.
Role Based Tracks
All LeadersLeaders - DistrictLeaders - School (Principals)Instructional CoachesHigher EdSolution Providers
Grade Level
Community College/University
Transformational Learning Principles
Ignite AgencyEnsure Opportunity
Delivery/Output
In PersonStreamedRecording
Skill Level
Beginner
Outline
Content Outline Introduction (5-7 minutes) •Welcome and session overview •Poll: "Have you completed a certification, required training, or professional development program in the last two years?" •The changing landscape of higher education and adult learners Section 1: What is Credit for Prior Learning? (10-12 minutes) •Defining CPL and PLA: Key terminology •The philosophy behind CPL: Honoring lifelong learning •The credit-recognition spectrum •The adult learner reality Section 2: How quality is ensured (12-15 minutes) •Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) ten standards for quality assurance •Reflection: "Think of one PD program you run or have completed: would it align with these standards?" •Regional Accreditors •Model for Evaluating Credit Eligibility •American College of Education's CPL Framework Section 3: CPL for Teachers (10-12 minutes) •Lane changes, degree completion, and career mobility •Professional certifications, structured PD, military training & service Section 4: For Districts: PD That Counts for College Credit (5 minutes) •How to align credit-ready professional development Section 5: Conclusion (3-5 minutes) •Key takeaways: The transformative potential of CPL •Four principles to take home •Contact information and follow-up opportunities Q&A (Remaining time) •Open question and answer period
Supporting research
Association for Talent Development. (2025, May 15). ATD Research: Optimism remains strong for future of learning in organizations [Press release]. https://www.td.org/content/press-release/atd-research-optimism-remains-strong-for-future-of-learning-in-organizations Causey, J., Gardner, A., Pevitz, A., Ryu, M., & Shapiro, D. (2025). Some College, No Credential: A 2025 Snapshot for the Nation and the States (6th ed.). Lumina Foundation. https://www.luminafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SCNCReport2025.pdf Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. (n.d.). Ten standards for assessing learning. CAEL. https://www.cael.org/ten-standards-for-assessing-learning Freifeld, L. (Ed.). (2024, November 20). 2024 Training Industry Report. Training Magazine. https://trainingmag.com/2024-training-industry-report/ Klein-Collins, R., Taylor, J., Bishop, C., Bransberger, P., Lane, P., & Leibrandt, S. (2020, December). The PLA Boost Fact Sheet. CAEL & WICHE. https://www.wiche.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/PLA-Boost-Fact-Sheet-CAEL-WICHE-Revised-Dec-2020.pdf Lumina Foundation. (2019). Today's student summary. https://www.luminafoundation.org/files/resources/todays-student-summary.pdf National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). Percentage of 16- to 64-year-old undergraduate students who were employed, by attendance status, hours worked per week, and selected characteristics: 2010, 2015, and 2022 (Table 503.40). In Digest of Education Statistics. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_503.40.asp National Center for Education Statistics. (2022). Total fall enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by attendance status, sex, and age of student: Selected years, 2001 through 2031 (Table 303.40). In Digest of Education Statistics. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_303.40.asp
Attendee Accounts
No required software outside of conference-provided links.
Audience
District-Level LeadershipSchool Level LeadershipSolution Provider
Attendee Devices
Devices not needed
Disclosure
The submitter of this session has been supported by a company whose product is being included in the session.

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