Prior Learning Assessment
How to get college credit for what you have already learned?
A Fresh Look at DSST Exams: How Prometric
Did it and Why Your Organization Should Too
Almost any adult who has gone back to school is familiar with the concept of credit by exam – getting college credit for life experience and knowledge. Since the colleges that accept DSST credits do so based on their ability to match up with certain course requirements, it is important that the subject matter and content of DSST exams also evolve. In order to more thoroughly align exam content with modern-day course requirements, 10 of Prometric's DSST exams were re-launched. This article discusses the ways in which Prometric has updated these exams and outlines reasons for keeping current.
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Military Education Options Come of Age
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs) tests have been a staple of military education for service personnel for over 30 years - a way for U.S. Military to receive college credit for field experience and knowledge. Only recently, however, have the tests come of age. In fact, this year the DSSTs will experience a number of significant "firsts" that seek to make the tests even more viable and available than they have ever been before. This article details the past, present and future of DSSTs in the military, along with the benefits and challenges.
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How Members of the Armed Services
Maintain a Path to Learning In a Down Economy
With service members facing extended tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other global hot spots, the issue of post-military education is bubbling up once again – with good reason. Yet today, because of rising tuition fees, GI benefits, some argue, are not keeping up – putting four-year colleges out of reach for many. One of the issues: Beyond the GI Bill, members of the military may not be aware of a host of affordable programs and tools that enable them to continue on a path to learning. This article outlines programs and tools that can most benefit members of the service – and their families.
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Thanks to Leading Technology and Testing,
U.S. Troops Advance Their Education Overseas
As the power of technology and testing grows, U.S. soldiers around the world have more opportunities for educational advancement than ever. Thousands of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines each year have the chance to take courses for college credit, study for the LSAT or GRE, or learn more about subjects that will enhance their day-to-day work. This article outlines the many opportunities now available, thanks in part to the Department of Defense's DANTES [Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support], which helps ensure educational opportunities for all military personnel.
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Technology Testing and Training: Preparing for the Military of the Future
Uncertainty is the defining characteristic of today's strategic environment. In this complex new world, the U.S. military increasingly depends on technology to achieve its objectives. That means the armed forces must attract and retain smart people who can use technology effectively. Then it must make sure military personnel continue getting smarter as the complexity of technology evolves. Ultimately, testing will enable the armed forces to see (and stay with) what works. It will allow today's military to develop educational content that finds ready acceptance among military personnel. Why? Because it will incorporate the skills and knowledge that civilian employers find most valuable.
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Successfully Meeting Information Assurance Directives
To remain one step ahead in maintaining the highest levels of information security, it is critical that organizations place individuals on the cyber security front lines in the right positions - and armed with the necessary level of expertise. This was the intent of Department of Defense Directive 8570.1 IA. However, the military is still challenged with strategies for meeting this directive. This paper outlines the primary challenges facing service organizations as they seek to certify and train their IA workforce, as well as best practices.
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Getting Credit for Life: Prior Learning Assessment and the Recession
Education is expensive. With the current state of the economy, a substantial number of students are reexamining whether starting a degree program or going back to school, is feasible. What is often frustrating to potential students is that they must pay thousands of dollars – and spend substantial amounts of time -- on college courses in order to receive accreditation for knowledge and skills they already possess. Organizations that endorse and reimburse prior learning assessment (PLA) programs can help employees start on the road to their degrees, affordably, flexibly and with low risk. Following are Prometric's best practices tips for getting started.
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Prior Learning Assessment: How to Get Credit for What You Already Know
The economic downswing afflicting the United States is affecting nearly every aspect of American life, including continuing education. Prospective students face rising course credit costs, while an increasing number of financial institutions are backing out of student loan programs. This article outlines available strategies for students who want to keep their educational plan on track even while the economy is in a tailspin.
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