Council For Adult And Experiential Learning Applauds President Obama's Speech In Buffalo

Calls for College Credits Based on What Students Know, Not Time in Class. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) August 30, 2013 - Chicago - President Barack Obama's recent speech in Buffalo, NY, about controlling college costs highlights the important role portfolio assessment can play by reducing the time and money adult learners require to earn their degrees, Pamela Tate, CEO and President of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) announced today. The program assists adults with their educational endeavors, finding practical ways to earn college credit for learning acquired through training and work experiences.

In discussing the program Tate said, "President Obama used 'back to school' time to discuss the impact of rising costs of college on the advancement of the middle class. His push to base college credits on what students know, instead of time spent in class, could save individuals thousands in tuition. It also honors the expertise of returning students. They may have missed or left college because they didn't have time or ran out of money. But they didn't stop learning."

Returning students often have college-level learning from work or military experience, online courses, and more. There is no reason to force them to take a class in a subject they already know and CAEL's research shows that earning 15 prior learning credits can save from around $1,605 at a public university to $6,000 at other institutions. The study also found that students who earn this credit are 2 ½ times more likely to graduate.

According to Tate, prior learning credits are an effective tool for evaluating college level learning acquired outside of traditional academia and helping students earn credits for a college degree in a way that saves time and money while maintaining academic rigor. Also, bringing all of their rich experience, college-level learning and college courses together to earn credentials and degrees helps adults be more marketable in the workforce.

Tate added, "Adults know their knowledge comes from more than just a course, a classroom or a lecture, and we know it too. CAEL has developed a system that evaluates learning experiences including employment, military service, volunteer activities or participation in massive online open courses (MOOCs) which is then documented and assessed in a learning portfolio."

All LearningCounts students receive their portfolio assessment results within two weeks and with some colleges direct transcription. The LearningCounts credit recommendations are accepted by colleges and universities that respect the history and learning of adult students and find them the most reasonable path to earning a college degree.

Concluded Tate, "For nearly 40 years CAEL has focused exclusively on the needs of adult learners. LearningCounts.org is a wonderful system that addresses their needs, and we urge everyone to take advantage of this program that can easily put you on the path toward finishing your degree."

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization based in Chicago, Illinois that assists adults with their educational endeavors, finding practical ways to earn college credit for learning acquired through training and work experiences. CAEL works with the public sector, private sector industries and higher education institutions to ensure that adult students receive the most efficient training and education to occupy a meaningful professional place in a 21st century economy. Since 1974, CAEL has assisted colleges and universities in providing college credit for prior learning. CAEL is the recognized national expert on a method known as portfolio assessment, and their Ten Standards for Assessing Learning are used by colleges and universities, as well as accrediting organizations, across the country.

LearningCounts.org is managed by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and operates with support from Lumina Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, the State Street Foundation, the Houston Endowment, USA Funds, and Brown Foundation. The Walmart Foundation is also providing support and funding scholarships for eligible users of LearningCounts.org.

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