1. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Supporting Transitions: Putting
the Principles of PLAR to Work
Susan Simosko
November 5, 2010
9:00 – 10:30

2. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Overview
 PLAR process and principles
 Applications
 Benefits
 Implications for you

3. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
About you
 Think about all the things you do
 Identify something you are good at: What did
you do? What did you have to know to
perform it? When did you do it? What did it
entail?
 Exchange stories with a neighbor

4. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
About your skills and knowledge
 How would you prove to us that you really
know and can do what you say?
 Share that information with your neighbor too

5. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
One way to look at it…

6. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Prior Learning Assessment and
Recognition (PLAR)
 Basic process
– Identify
– Equate
– Assess
– Recognize/credit

7. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Identify
 How do you do this?
 What is the “right” level?
 What is the expected outcome for
– Learner/applicant
– “Advisor”

8. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Equate
 What is the purpose?
 What are the “standards”?
 How do you use job descriptions,
occupational competencies, learning
outcomes, or course descriptions?
 What is the expected outcome?

9. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Assessment
 Linked to the purpose
– Self assessment
– Oral interview
– Written exam
– Demonstration
 Workplace
 Simulation
– Portfolio of evidence

10. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
PLAR Definition
 A process that enables individuals to receive
credit and recognition for what they know
and can do
(Old: A process that enables individuals to
receive credit and recognition for their “prior”
learning.)

11. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Formal assessment systems must be
technically sound
 Valid
 Reliable
 Fair and culturally appropriate
 Verify currency
 Verify authenticity
 Feasible

12. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Key PLAR Principles
 All learning has value
 Where, when or how learning occurred is not
particularly important
 Verification of skills and knowledge requires some
sort of assessment or evaluation—informal or
formal—depending on the potential application of the
learning
 Assessment/recognition is the interpretation of
evidence that enables us to make a decision
(Remember, there are many assessment options for
identifying and generating evidence!)

13. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Applications:
Is this someone you know?

14. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Applications: Success Stories
 Traditional vocational and technical
 Academic
 Employment-related
 Professional recognition/continuing competence
 Unique applications
– Young offenders
– Labour unions
– Credit for unwaged work*

15. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Credit for unwaged work
(homemakers)
 Functional analysis
A. Develop and manage systems
B. Optimize the acquisition and use of material and financial
resources
C. Obtain, record and provide information to others
D. Support and care for adults
E. Care for and supervise children
F. Maintain the health and safety of household members
G. Provide services to household members
H. Maintain the interior and exterior of the home
I. Contribute to the national and local community

16. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Function F: Maintain the health and
safety of household members
 Activities:
– Manage the health and sickness of adults and
children
– Supervise treatment processes for adults and
children
– Maintain health and safety in the home

17. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Related occupations
 Nursing
 Paramedics
 Dietician
 Environmental health officer
 Security officer
 First aid instructor
 Professional cleaner

18. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Contribute to the national and local
community: Related occupations
 Fundraiser
 Youth workers
 Organizer for charities/conferences
 Adult or child advocates
 Police officer

19. What are the benefits of systematically
applying the PLAR process?
 Enhanced self confidence
 Greater clarity about strengths and
limitations
 New directions
 New credentials
 New opportunities
 Can save time, money and duplication of
effort

20. Implications for you…

21. Implications for you…
 What will you do differently?
– How will you apply the concept?
– What outcomes will/could be different?
– What materials, if any, will you develop?
– What partnerships, if any, will you form and/or
develop?
– How can you support one another?
– What additional skills and knowledge would
enhance your work?

22. Potential resources
 National: Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment
(CAPLA): www.recognitionforlearning.ca
 Provincial: www.bcplan.ca
 Local:
– Dawn McCooey: www.employeeretentiontool.ca
– Camosun College: www.camosuncollege.bc.ca
– Royal Roads University: www.royalroadsuniversity.bc.ca
– Others!

23. PLAR is a only a concept…How you
apply it is up to you!

24. Thank you!
Susan Simosko
ssimosko@telus.net
www.susansimosko.com
250-655-6773
204A-2453 Beacon Ave.
Sidney, BC V8L 1X7