1. OSCA -20011 PLAR Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

2. OSCA -20012 PLAR Orientation Session Expectations: Students and Parents will develop an understanding of ….. provincial policy on the PLAR Challenge Process the application process the Challenge Assessment activities student responsibilities in the PLAR Challenge Assessments

3. OSCA -20013 PLAR Orientation Session Agenda 1. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - What is it? 2. Application to PLAR - What courses can a student challenge? - What is required to challenge a course? - What are the timelines?

4. OSCA -20014 PLAR Orientation Session Agenda 3. PLAR Challenge Assessments - What will the assessments look like? 4. Student Responsibilities - What do students have to do?

5. OSCA -20015 What is PLAR? …the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby students may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

6. OSCA -20016 Background to PLAR in Ontario Secondary Schools Decision to implement PLAR was influenced by: Royal Commission on Learning (1994) Work of other provinces Implementation in Colleges

7. OSCA -20017 PLAR Policy Two Components to PLAR Process Challenge process Equivalency process

8. OSCA -20018 Equivalency Process... Assessment of credentials from other jurisdictions Credits granted for placement

9. OSCA -20019 Challenge Process... Prior learning assessed for purpose of granting credit Implementation Timelines Grade 10 courses 2002-03 Grade 11 courses 2003-04 Grade 12 courses 2004-05 Mature students starting 2004-05

10. OSCA -200110 Challenge Process... In challenging a course for credit…… The student is saying that he / she already has the knowledge and skills and can demonstrate the expectations of the course at the time of the challenge.

11. OSCA -200111 Challenge for Credit Maximum of four credits Two in one subject area Grade 10, 11, 12 courses Entire courses from provincial curriculum document

12. OSCA -200112 Student Eligibility What courses can be challenged? Students may not challenge courses….. they have previously completed if there is a significant overlap of expectations with a course for which credit has already been granted.

13. OSCA -200113 Student Eligibility Students may not challenge courses….. in a subject where credit has already been granted in a later grade. ESL/ELD if previously completed English course. FSL if previously completed course in Français.

14. OSCA -200114 Courses Not to be challenged Transfer courses Co-op courses Locally developed courses Courses not taught within board.

15. OSCA -200115 Student Eligibility If a student is not successful in challenging a course, the student may challenge the credit a second time……. after a reasonable interval (minimum of one semester - WCDSB policy) if evidence supports likelihood of success.

16. OSCA -200116 PLAR Policy Responsibilities for PLAR process shared by:  Boards  School Principals  Students

17. OSCA -200117 STUDENTS Students are responsible to……. Initiate the PLAR process Obtain parental approval Provide reasonable evidence of success as part of the application process

18. OSCA -200118 STUDENTS Complete all challenge activities Include intent to challenge course(s) for credit as part of the student’s Annual Education Plan

19. OSCA -200119 PLAR Benefits to Students F gain recognition for prior learning in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school F receive credit for what they already know and can do

20. OSCA -200120 PLAR Benefits to Students F gain flexibility in their secondary school program options F examine their Annual Education Plans critically in terms of their past and current experiences

21. OSCA -200121 Orientation to PLAR  School Course Calendar  System Orientation Session  Monday, September 13, 2004 – St. Mary’s H.S. (7:00 – 8:30 pm)  Monday, February 7, 2005 – St. Mary’s H.S. (7:00 – 8:30 pm)

22. OSCA -200122 Application 2004-2005 Timelines: (Challenge of Grade 10-11-12 Courses) Student: Completes Application Form (WCDSB web site/orientation session) Compiles “Reasonable Evidence” of success. September 28, 2004 or February 28, 2005 Submits to school principal by September 28, 2004 or February 28, 2005

23. OSCA -200123 PLAR Challenge Form Student Information Course to be challenged Listing of evidence to be submitted - “Reasonable Evidence” of success Declaration of understanding of Challenge process Student / parent signatures

24. OSCA -200124 Reasonable Evidence Submission Letter(s) of Reference (Appendix B) Student Letter of Explanation Supporting the Request for a PLAR Challenge (Appendix D) Letter(s) of Recommendation from Community members (optional) Portfolio of relevant work samples

25. OSCA -200125 Reasonable Evidence Submission Proof of relevant experience in supervised setting (Appendix C) Proof of independent learning (Appendix C) Proof of learning from another educational jurisdiction (if applicable) Copy of Ontario Student Transcript or student Report Card Listing of other successfully completed PLAR Challenges

26. OSCA -200126 Application Principal: Assigns subject teachers to PLAR Reviews Application submissions with teachers assigned to evaluation of PLAR Challenge Assessment by October 5, 2004 or March 7, 2005

27. OSCA -200127 Challenge Assessment What are the PLAR Challenge Assessment timelines? Fall 2004  Application submitted to school principal - September 28, 2004  Approval of Applications - October 5, 2004

28. OSCA -200128 Challenge Assessment  PLAR Challenge Assessment Consultations (teacher & student) – October 12-16, 2004  PLAR Challenge Assessment Submissions - January 24-28, 2005

29. OSCA -200129 Reporting Achievement reported on Provincial Report Card as part of Semester end reporting cycle (January/February 2005).

30. OSCA -200130 Spring 2005 Timelines (Challenge of Grade 10, 11 or 12 courses) February 7, 2005 St. Mary’s H.S. 7:00-8:30 pm February 28, 2005 – Submission of Application and Reasonable Evidence March 7, 2005 – Assignment of PLAR teachers

31. OSCA -200131 Spring 2005 Timelines March 21 – March 24 – PLAR Challenge Consultations June 20 - 24 – Submission of PLAR challenge Assessments End of Semester 2 – Reporting of PLAR Challenge Achievement

32. OSCA -200132 Challenge Assessments What will the assessments look like?  70% Formal Evaluation Activity (paper & pencil test / performance task)  30% Other strategies (variety of strategies appropriate to subject discipline)

33. OSCA -200133 PLAR Responsibilities WCDSB Students: initiate process; access Application form and Course Expectations attend System Orientation session obtain parental approval submit Application and Reasonable Evidence of success by due date

34. OSCA -200134 PLAR Responsibilities WCDSB Students: Upon approval of PLAR Challenge Application….. meet with assigned PLAR Challenge teacher complete all Challenge Assessments within designated timelines

35. OSCA -200135 Questions and Answers