CPL Round 8: Strong Workforce
Introduction
Due to the limited and inconsistent practices surrounding Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) programs across Los Angeles community colleges, countless opportunities to boost equitable participation and success for low-skilled individuals, military veterans, and workers seeking credentials to advance or sustain their careers are often overlooked.
The Round 8 Strong Workforce Program (SWP) Credit for Prior Learning Project has dedicated its efforts to empowering the LA19 community colleges by bridging gaps in the internal knowledge, readiness, and implementation of CPL programs, paving the way for a more equitable and effective CPL system.
Acknowledgements
This document reflects the Round 8 SWP Credit for Prior Learning Project activities achieved as a result of the collaborative efforts of stakeholders from all 19 Los Angeles Community Colleges, as well as industry and workforce partners.
Outcomes are aligned to the statewide efforts of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the LARC Regional Plan
Recognizing Prior Learning to Bridge Today’s Equity Gaps
Under the leadership of LARC and in collaboration with the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), a diverse Community of Practice (CoP) for the Credit for Prior Learning project was formed. This CoP brought together stakeholders from all 19 Los Angeles Community Colleges (LA19), creating a powerhouse of expertise and shared knowledge. The goals of the Credit for Prior Learning regional project were to:
Goal 1
Create a CPL Community of Practice.
Goal 2
Pinpoint effective instances of prior learning credit programs and practices at the local level, so as to provide the qualitative and quantitative data needed to inform the Community of Practice's CPL framework development.
Goal 3
Develop a regional CPL framework to assist colleges at various stages of implementation and execution ability.
Goal 4
Provide professional development opportunities.
Goal 5
Establish a regional CPL Support Hub. Thusly, the region is able to utilize this information as guidance by incorporating best practices through the community of practice.
- Establish a strong support system that empowers stakeholders at all levels of involvement.
- Place emphasis on college partner participation and engagement to ensure widespread comprehension and execution of CPL initiatives.
- Encourage faculty dialogue to drive change
Goal #1
Establishing a Regional CPL Community of Practice
The Community of Practice included a diverse group of stakeholders from the LA19, such as Deans, Directors, Counselors, and Faculty from Economic & Workforce Development, Academic Affairs, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Counseling, Instruction, Library & Learning Resources, Career Education, Career Center, Workforce & Economic Development Division, Admissions & Records, Pathway Innovation, Academic Divisions, and the Academic Senate.
External partners included the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, CA MAP Initiative, and informed collaborations with other state initiatives.
This comprehensive representation ensured a multifaceted approach to
CPL in creating a framework and promoting shared learning and collective
Goal #2
Discovery & Data: Identifying Effective Local CPL Programs to Inform Framework Development
In collaboration with C-BEN, the Community of Practice conducted Discovery Sessions and a comprehensive Landscape Analysis to identify effective, local, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) programs and practices, and to determine the various stages of CPL implementation readiness at each college.
These efforts were designed to gather both qualitative and quantitative data to inform the development of the CoP's CPL framework. This framework will support colleges at various stages of implementation and offer professional development to those who work directly with students, as well as to administrators. A summary of the findings from these sessions and analysis follows.
Landscape Analysis & Campus Milestone Progression Map
CPL Milestones: LARC Campus Progression
While progress is happening across the four elements of the milestone framework, the consortium overall is
mostly in the emerging stage of CPL implementation.
| Milestone Element | Initial | Emerging | Developed | Scaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | SOME | MOST | FEW | NONE |
| Policy | FEW | MOST | MOST | FEW |
| Strategy | SOME | MOST | MOST | NONE |
| Stakeholder Engagement | MOST | MOST | FEW | NONE |
CPL Milestones: LARC Campus Progression in Spring '25
With our pulse check survey, we were able to calibrate more accurately on the evolution of the consortium. Progress has been made in strategy and policy, while CPL infrastructure development is highly variable between institutions. Key leaders and partners are being engaged, but the lack of learner participation has stymied progress in stakeholder engagement.
| Milestone Element | Initial | Emerging | Developed | Scaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | SOME | SOME | SOME | FEW |
| Policy | FEW | SOME | MOST | FEW |
| Strategy | FEW | MOST | MOST | FEW |
| Stakeholder Engagement | MOST | MOST | FEW | FEW |
Goal #3
Developing a Regional CPL Framework to Support Colleges at All Stages of Implementation
The Credit for Prior Learning Framework, developed by the LARC's Round 8 SWP CPL Project's CoP, serves as a comprehensive resource for all 19 community colleges in the region. This framework is designed to support and advance CPL implementation across LA19 campuses, promoting implementation and consistency.
The primary goal of this framework is to ensure that students receive appropriate recognition for their prior learning experiences as they work towards degree completion.
It aligns with statewide initiatives and provides flexibility for individual campus needs, allowing each institution to adapt and implement CPL practices effectively.
Tiered Milestone Model with a Collaborative Approach.
The CPL Framework developed by the CoP is a Milestone Progression Model combined with Collaborative Support that offers a structured pathway for colleges to implement and enhance their CPL practices. This model is designed with a modular approach to allow for flexibility and scalability across different institutions.
CPL Framework Explained
By integrating a Milestone Progression Map with Collaborative Support, the Regional CPL Framework aims to create a scalable, cooperative ecosystem that helps community colleges recognize and apply credit for prior learning more effectively.
Collaborative Support
Collaborative Support forms a crucial element of the Regional CPL Framework, fostering a scalable and cooperative environment across the Los Angeles Community Colleges. This approach enables the LA19 to share resources, expertise, and best practices, creating a robust support system for CPL implementation.
Mentorship Networks & Peer-Led Learning
Colleges that have reached key CPL milestones serve as available mentors for peers progressing toward the same goals. Campus CPL experts facilitate peer-led learning sessions to strengthen implementation capacity across the region.
LARC CPL Community of Practice
Ongoing upon completion of project
Scalability: Built-in scalability to ensure that institutions at different stages of CPL implementation can seamlessly move between tiers.
Goal #4
Professional Development
In response to the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Project objectives, and in alignment with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office CPL Initiative Advisory recommendations, we have taken significant steps to address professional development needs and create opportunities for colleges at various stages of CPL implementation.
By participating in targeted training and webinars, as well as research analysis and shared insights, we have ensured that all campus stakeholders impacted by CPL are fully informed of the resources made available through this project.
By integrating a Milestone Progression Map with Collaborative Support, the Regional CPL Framework aims to create a scalable, cooperative ecosystem that helps community colleges recognize and apply credit for prior learning more effectively.
Collaborative Outcome
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- Collaborating with key partners across colleges, industry leaders, and state organizations to help provide professional development opportunities; build a sustainable CPL structure; and strengthen the regional
- CPL ecosystem.
Referring to respected reference materials to ensure credibility and compliance.
Goal #5
Launching a Regional CPL Support Hub
Resources are made accessible via the Credit for Prior Learning Support Hub, an online portal that provides institutions with immediate access to a wide array of essential tools and materials, including the ongoing CPL Community of Practice.
This hub offers templates, CPL policies, as well as training modules, case studies, assessment tools, and the LARC CPL Implementation & Expansion Guide, empowering colleges at all stages of CPL implementation to enhance their programs.
Goal #5
Launching a Regional CPL Support Hub
Resources are made accessible via the Credit for Prior Learning Support Hub, an online portal that provides institutions with immediate access to a wide array of essential tools and materials, including the ongoing CPL Community of Practice.
This hub offers templates, CPL policies, as well as training modules, case studies, assessment tools, and the LARC CPL Implementation & Expansion Guide, empowering colleges at all stages of CPL implementation to enhance their programs.