The Current State of Prior Learning Policies

This brief, coauthored by the Center for Law and Social Policy and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, is part of WICHE’s Recognition of Learning initiative. This brief investigates the critical role states, accrediting bodies, and the federal government can play in making credit for prior learning more accessible and affordable for students with low incomes, students of color, immigrants, and adult learners. The authors first summarizes findings from previous state policy scans and then offers suggestions for how policies can better support students by addressing issues of transparency, affordability, inclusion, and evaluation. This brief concludes with recommendations for policymakers and accreditors and ideas for future research.