A statewide faculty development project initiated in Oregon is described. Suggestions for planning faculty development programs--ranging from how to select faculty to how to discuss faculty concerns about experiential learning--are provided. A variety of new roles and tasks for faculty are suggested. (MLW)

A description is given of the system developed by the College Board during the past three decades through which, on the basis of examination, more than 1,500 colleges award degree credit for prior learning. Over 140,000 individuals take the examinations each year. (Author/MSE)

Experiences in prior learning programs are discussed by three adult learners. The College of New Rochelle's Life Experience Portfolio Program, Marylhurst Education Center's Prior Learning Program, and Ohio University's Prior Learning Program are summarized. (MLW)

The unique opportunities and problems that come with serving diversely prepared learners are discussed. The concept of "diverse preparation" is illustrated with brief sketches of three students, and the ways in which institutions respond to diversity or preparation are examined. (MLW)

Prior learning assessment programs are characterized as having a highly individualized service or a more standardized pattern. Three model programs are described: Webster College in St. Louis, Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island, and Sinclair Community College in Dayton. (Author/MLW)

Portfolio assessment, designed after the model disseminated originally by the Cooperative Assessment of Experiential Learning (CAEL) project, has become the assessment technique of choice in prior learning programs as well as the foundation for adult degree programs. Innovations and changes in the assessment process are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Present efforts by colleges to develop new learning opportunities for adults are characterized as a highly significant movement that seeks to meet the needs of many millions of adults, in the judgment of a former chancellor of universities and university systems. (Author/MSE)

Adult students, it is suggested, are not adequately prepared to plan their education and relate it to the assessment of prior learning. Educational goal clarification enhances a student's ability to participate actively in educational planning and to integrate prior learning into the total plan. (Author/MLW)

Starting programs for new kinds of adult students without delay is one of the urgent actions recommended for the college by a college president widely known for his success in this area. (Author)

Prime features of sound college programs that assess for credit the prior experiential learning of adults are outlined. Faculty judgment underlies all evaluation methods, which include oral exams, written reports, actual performance, or appraisals of advanced professional knowledge. Work of the Council for the Advancement of Experiential Learning…

Advice is given to the individual college about three main kinds of variables to take into account in analyzing all the economic effects of programs for awarding credit to students in recognition of prior learning: process variables, student variables, and institutional variables. (Author/MSE)

Higher education is seen as an investment in human capital that generates benefits to individuals and to society. Assessment of prior learning constitutes a sound individual and public investment because it lowers costs and adds value to experience. (MLW)

The historic sources of graduate study in the United States, specifically the German influence, are examined, and the relationship of current experiential learning to past traditions of graduate study is discussed. Greater flexibility in the use of experience in graduate instruction and research is suggested. (MLW)

Accrediting agencies can assume a leadership role in the recognition of prior learning experiences by endorsing the concept, assuring that good practices are followed, providing for the orientation and training of accrediting teams, and encouraging institutional review of policies and procedures. A statement endorsed by three national associations…

The composite-portfolio approach, combining all major systems of assessing prior learning of adults for degree credits, is described as exemplified by methods of Empire State College of the State University of New York. Illustrations include evaluation statements, outline of an actual degree program, and an evaluation policy statement. (MSC)