Delaware framework offers guidance on what learning experiences can transfer to college credit

DELAWARE – “At the core of this entire thing, it’s institutions saying how can we remove barriers to access and completion. This is one of those ways you can do it,” DDOE’s Career, Technical Education, And STEM Initiative Office Director Jon Wickert said.

It’s an all hands on deck effort from Delaware’s private and public higher education institutions alongside the Delaware Department of Education. The Delaware Credit for Prior Learning Framework provides guidance on what prior learning experiences qualify for college credit. “There’s a lot of non-credit programs that are just about certifications and licenses and don’t always equate to college credit. Some college learning does not transfer well into certification style programs and this framework helps to resolve some of that,” Wickert said.

“Examples of those could be military training or apprenticeship programs. So really bringing in these experiences to our institutions of higher education to of course allow students to get the credit,” DDOE Higher Education Office Director Juliet Murawski said.

Partners like Sussex Tech Adult Education allow students to earn hours towards their journeypersons certificate.

Industrial Training Coordinator Mike Hauge says this framework not only expedites their journey to a degree but opens up opportunities for a career with longevity. “Those wanting to know more about the business side of things to become a project manager, or a superintendent, or even opening your own company,” Hauge said.

As the cost of a higher education continues to rise, Murawski says this will also save students time and money. “As we know, they’re generally conscious of the level of debt they’ll have to incur to go to college,” Murawski said.

“It’s really encouraging people who might not have thought that furthering their education was for them for lots of different reasons.”

The Delaware Department of Education says institutions are now starting to evaluate policies and there will be additional planning meetings to discuss a timeframe to implement this plan.

DDOE says the hope is to also increase access to good paying careers that will be resistant to current recession fears.

The framework has support from several public and private institutions statewide including Delaware State University, Delaware Tech, and more.