OLYMPIA—The House of Representatives voted 97-0 today to upgrade state policies for awarding college credits to students who have acquired college-level skills and knowledge through military training, private-sector work experiences and other sources of prior learning.
“If more adults knew that they could receive credit for prior learning and experience they already have, they might be encouraged to enroll in college and know that they do not have to go four, five or six years to get another career in a high-demand area,” said Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney (D-Seattle).
Kenney’s bill (HB 1522) requires colleges and state agencies to work together to enable more students to benefit from college credits for prior learning. The measure has received strong support from leaders in higher education.
“This is an innovation whose time has come,” said Dr. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor for Seattle Community Colleges. “The state and students will both come out ahead if colleges can assess and grant credit for subjects students already know – prior learning. If we can reduce the time it takes working adults to complete their programs, our workforce will be prepared for jobs in the new economy.”
The need for legislation was documented in a December report to the Legislature by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
“There is no reason to re-learn skills and knowledge in the college classroom—and pay for the opportunity to do so,” the report said. “Awarding credit for prior learning also moves students further and faster toward their career goals. This is important because, even during the current recession, Washington has a large number of employers unable to find the skilled workers they need.”
Unfortunately, the report added, current college policies on awarding credit for prior learning are inconsistent and not well-known or understood.
According to Kenney, Washington will add more than 250,000 jobs that require postsecondary education by 2018. If the state does not generate sufficient degree opportunities, Washington will have to import high-skilled workers for jobs that could have gone to state residents.
Kenney chairs the Community Development and Housing Committee and is the former chair of the Higher Education Committee.
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More online:
Academic Credit for Prior Learning in Washington Postsecondary Education:
Proposed Policies and Recommendations, by Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (Dec. 2010)