Op-Ed Highlights Credit for Prior Learning to Build Equity in Higher Education
EdSource published this commentary from California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez on June 4, 2020. “Let’s recognize learning can happen anywhere — especially now” advocates for more comprehensive and consistent credit for prior learning (CPL) policies at California colleges and universities. CPL aligns with California Competes’ commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable system of higher education by awarding credit to students who have acquired expertise through employee training and military courses.
Right now, California has a unique opportunity to level the playing field when it comes to our public colleges and universities.
For too long, our system of higher education has served a specific population ─ students straight out of high school with their families’ financial support, equipped with skills from college prep courses and a load of Advanced Placement (AP) credits to fast track them toward a degree.
Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision shows the pandemic’s impact on our postsecondary institutions, but it also expands opportunities and sets goals for low-cost ways less privileged students can get degrees.