The PLAR Process under PPM129, PPM132 & Mature Student Assessment (OSIS)

PPM129 - The PLAR policy and requirements that apply to regular day school students.

This process has 2 components:

• Challenges - prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for a course developed from a provincial curriculum policy document (max of 4 credits)

• The equivalency process - equivalency credits are granted for placement purposes based on the evaluation of the student’s previous learning based on out of province or private school transcripts

The equivalent credits should be entered as a total, and the required items of information should appear as follows: “Equivalent Credits” should be entered in the “Course Title” column; “PLE” in the “Course Code” column; “EQV” in the “Percentage Grade” column; the total number of credits in the “Credit” column; and the total number of compulsory credits in the “Compulsory” column.

See also p. 97 Ontario Schools: Kindergarten to grade 12, for credit requirements

and p. 16 The Ontario Student Transcript (OST): Manual, 2013

PPM132 - The PLAR policy and requirements that apply to mature students.

PLAR for mature students also has 2 components, but 3 different procedures

The Equivalency process

• grade 9/10 individual assessment for the purpose of granting grade 9 or 10 credits - entered on Transcript as one total

• grade 11/12 assessment of credentials and other appropriate documentation from jurisdictions within or outside Ontario, for the purpose of granting grade 11 or 12 credits-entered on transcript with appropriate course code

The Challenge process

• Challenges- the process whereby students' prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for a Grade 11 or 12 course developed from an Ontario curriculum policy - entered on transcript with appropriate course code and grade earned

Maturity Student Assessment (MSA)- PLAR granting under OSIS diploma procedure 1(p16, OST 2013)

• Students who entered high school in Ontario prior to 1984 can complete the SSGD diploma requirements and be granted Maturity Credits.

• Students who entered high school in Ontario between Sept. 1984-June 1999 can complete their OSSD under OS:IS diploma requirements and be granted Maturity Credits.

• Students new to high school in Ontario who started as an adult prior to Feb 2004 can be granted Maturity Credits.

• Any of the above students can apply for PLAR credits but must complete literacy, community service and math requirements under OS diploma requirements.

Course Codes for Mature Student Assessments

Diploma Requirements

Qualities of High Functioning PLAR Program

1. PLAR Process from intake to completion is smooth, streamlined and open to continuous improvement.

2. All PLAR eligible learners are reached through internal promotion and promotion in the community.

3. All students assessed for eligibility and suitability for PLAR for Mature Students at intake and advised favourably.

4. Consistent and accurate PLAR assessments are carried out by competent, knowledgeable and qualified PLAR Assessors.

5. Timely opportunities for learners to write grade 9/10 assessments with an opportunity for prep support if needed.

6. Senior Equivalency Credit Assessment Process is timely and supported.

7. Regular communication with the learner and coordinated tracking to keep process moving towards graduation.

8. Consistent, accurate and timely tracking and reporting for student benefit and board captures all eligible funding.

All boards are responsible for developing and implementing PLAR policies and procedures for mature students that are consistent with provincial policy

(OS, sections 7.2.5.1 and 7.2.5.2)