Dear Commons Community,

Following programs in three other states, Pennsylvania’s community colleges have begun a statewide project to let adult learners earn college credit for previous training or work experience.  In a news release, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges announced the initiative called “College Credit FastTrack,” which sets up common standards for awarding life experience credits across the state.  Montana, Texas, and Ohio announced similar initiatives in 2013.  The Chronicle of Higher Education reported:

“Some postsecondary education is as necessary now as a high-school degree was in previous generations, and many adults want to gain a degree and gain re-employment with as little time in the classroom as possible,” said Nicholas C. Neupauer, board chair of the commission, in the release. “College Credit FastTrack will enable these students to complete a life-changing degree program more quickly and at a reduced cost.”

Critics of prior-learning assessment say it takes emphasis away from classroom experience. Advocates say it eases the path to a degree.

This initiative was made possible by a $2.5 million Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Tony