Iowa Wins $250,000 Grant to Build Statewide Prior Learning Assessment System
The Iowa Department of Education announced on November 12 that it has received a $250,000 Strategic Impact and Innovation Grant from the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) to build a statewide Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) system, which awards college credit for what adult learners have gained through work, military service and professional certifications.
Department Director McKenzie Snow said adult students return to the classroom with substantial work and life experience, and the system is meant to formally recognize that learning so students can finish degrees or certificates faster and at lower cost. Department official Rachel Boon and MHEC President Susan G. Heegaard said in the announcement that common assessment standards will cut duplicative reviews and let credits move more smoothly between institutions.
MHEC is one of four U.S. regional higher education compacts, with 12 member states including Iowa; in this funding round each member state could apply for up to $250,000. Iowa's plan will first unify assessment rules and tools, then extend the system to public colleges and universities statewide.
(Source: Iowa Department of Education)
Source: Iowa Department of Education
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons：File:Capitol Building of Des moines, Iowa entrance.jpg（开放授权）
