Conclusion

As Jordan Schoener’s experience shows, prior learning assessment has the potential to be a powerful tool to help adults achieve their educational goals in a timely manner. But the only way this can happen is if each student who stands to benefit from PLA is aware of the opportunity and knows how to use it. Through advising and program design, colleges can make that happen. These connections need to be built before states and colleges spend time and effort creating the perfect PLA policy. But as we face increased automation and the threat of recession, PLA could help workers connect with and accelerate through our system of higher education, which will help prepare them, and the economy, for the future of work.