Gateways Project - Results to Date

Dr. Ingrid CrowtherDr. Jane ArscottTeam Leaders

May, 2005

Background

• Had established block credit transfer system for human service related programs through the Pathways Project

http://pathways.athabascau.ca/• Identified additional barrier/gap and

questions through Pathways Project– Most common questions - What’s my credential worth?

• I earned it some time ago• My credentials previously not accepted for transfer

Identification of Challenges

• Learning opportunities vary widely for working adults resulting in few genuine choices for working adults

• Costs, length and most of study vary from institution to institution

• Barriers diminish student involvement, including lack of broad band access and connectivity

• Lack of transparency affects student participation, motivation and success

Led to Gateways Project

• Program based PLAR – up to one year credit at a certificate, diploma or

degree level• Research shows that program-based

PLAR is:– More efficient– Less time consuming– Less costly– Allows for evaluation of transfer of skills

Outcomes of the Gateways Project

• Demonstrate PLAR as an integral part of post-secondary credential completion and outcome-based employment eligibility in Humans Services fields

• Develop PLAR tools at an entry, diploma, advanced and degree completion level

• Complete a PLAR process with a minimum of 100 practitioners.

Outcomes of the Gateways Project

• Disseminate information to increase acceptance and recognition of these awards.

• Track and measure participants' success in the PLAR process, in the achievement of educational goals, and to evaluate overall success of the project.

Gateways Research

• Research the effectiveness of PLAR

through a comparative analysis

- grades achieved– continuation of studies– educational goals reached

Gateways Evaluation

• Establish a long term tracking system to follow PLAR students

• Evaluation of PLAR – tools and

process

• Overall success of project

Dissemination Phase

• Ongoing – web site http://gateways.athabascau.ca

• Conference presentations

• Publications

• Informal – focus groups, increased awareness through Gateways Project implementation

Accomplishments

• Three pilot studies in process – Yukon college ECE, Hastings's County

Employer and Seneca College – degree

completion

• Main study initiated

• New pilots commencing – UCN, Yukon College second group of diploma and

one group of Humans services

Accomplishments

• Participation by a wide group of individuals from isolated communities, urban communities, and First Nation communities

• Developed skill sets and process for early childhood and humans services programs

• Developing additional skill sets– Community support worker– Home care support worker– Nurses assistant program– Corrections

Accomplishments

• Developed and implemented three part certificate training sessions to mentor

PLAR portfolio development and evaluate completed portfolios

Contact

• ingridc@athabascau.ca

• janea@athabascau.ca

• Website – http://gateways.athabascau.ca