Re: different approaches, expectations and processes regarding learner transition from LBS (the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities) to Adult Credit (The Ministry of Education)

TCU would like to see in place a learner skill attainment framework that is supported by an assessment approach for identifying changes in the Human Resources and Skill Development (HRSD) Essential Skills/ International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) levels for the skills of Reading Text, Document Use and Numeracy. This will necessitate a strong focus on Essential Skills and the practice of Essential Skills tasks in LBS programs at level 3 in particular in order for learners to demonstrate learner gains at exit in those particular areas.

At the same time, EDU has launched a mandated PLAR assessment process available upon request for all incoming learners to Adult Credit. The PLAR for Mature Students process provides for allocating up to 16 secondary school credits to qualifying learners. This amounts to full accreditation of Grade 9 and 10, essentially an OSSC. It is in the best interest of the Credit-bound learner at level 3 for LBS to provide targeted preparation for the PLAR assessment. Research suggests that at the moment, these two assessment approaches (PLAR and Essential Skills) cannot easily be merged with sufficient benefit to the learner. Both assessment approaches are demanding in terms of program planning and delivery and to attempt both concurrently, at the level required for significant progress to be made in the time available, places too great a burden on the LBS practitioner.

Conclusion:

Further research and work is needed for the development of an integrated transition strategy for the Adult Credit Pathway. It is possible to combine training and assessment of Essential Skills related to critical support tasks for Adult Credit with PLAR preparation and assessment in ways that satisfy all stakeholders. It can be done, and, with appropriate training, would be the key to success and a truly seamless transition pathway between LBS and Adult Credit.

Contributed by: Jane Barber