What is PLAR?
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process through which mature students may obtain credits for prior learning – the knowledge and skills that adults have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school.
The PLAR process for mature students involves three procedures:
- Individual Assessment/Equivalency (Gr. 9/10)
- Equivalency (Gr. 11/12)
- Challenge (Gr. 11/12).
Who is a Mature Student?
A mature student is a student who is:
- at least 18 years old on or before December 31 of the school year
- is enrolled in a secondary school credit program for the purpose of obtaining an OSSD
- has been out of school for a period of at least one year before returning as an adult
Who Participates In PLAR?
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Mature students who are new to the Ontario secondary school system as of February 1, 2004, and who are working towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) under OSS diploma requirements.
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Mature students who were enrolled in the Ontario secondary school system and were placed in Grade 9 in 1999-2000 or later, Grade 10 in 2000-2001 or later, Grade 11 in 2001-2002 or later, or Grade 12 in 2002-2003 or later; and who return to school as mature students on February 1, 2004 or later to work towards the OSSD under OSS diploma requirements.
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Students who started their secondary programs prior to September, 1999 in Ontario and return as mature students after February 1, 2004 may also choose to have their prior learning assessed under PLAR for Mature Students.
Grade 9 and 10 Individual Assessment/Equivalency Process
What is it?
An individual mature student assessment/equivalency process for the purpose of granting up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 credits through (a) transcripts, or (b) transcripts and completion of individual assessments, or (c) completion of individual assessments.
What is the individual assessment process?
Students without appropriate transcripts for all or part of the first two years of secondary school will be required to complete an individual assessment in some or all of Grade 9 and 10 English, Mathematics, Science, and Canadian Geography/History.
How do individual assessments result in credits?
Successful completion of the individual assessment process will result in up to four credits in each of the four subject areas. These Grade 9 and 10 credits will meet the diploma requirements that would usually be met through successful completion of the Grade 9 and 10 programs.
How can I enroll in this process?
A student must register in ONE credit course through Community & Continuing Education. This course must be completed prior to the writing of the individual assessments.
How Do I prepare For the Assessments?
Take part in our U~TURN Program! We want to help students by offering a class to prepare for the MATURE PLAR Grade 9 and 10 assessments. Successful completion of these preparation classes will help prepare you for the Grade 9/10 Assessments and the Grade 11 and 12 College and Workplace courses you will take in the future as you work to complete your OSSD.
U~TURN PROGRAM
STEP ONE: The first step is to call the Assessment Centre for a CREDIT ASSESSMENT. You will need a transcript which is available from the Assessment Centre if you don't have your transcript. Call the Assessment Centre at 905-521-2554.
Information on obtaining your transcript is also available from the Student Records section of the Assessment Centre website.
STEP TWO: Students take a Senior credit while attending U-TURN Program and must complete this course while classwork is being completed to prepare for PLAR Assessments in the areas of English, Math, Science, History and Geography. Assistance in this course is provided by the classroom tutor.
STEP THREE: Work on PLAR prep areas needed: Grade 9 & 10 English, Mathematics, Science, Geography/History
The curriculum for each of the courses is based on the the Ministry curriculum expectations.
Upon finishing the work for each course, a student will be ready to write the Assessment Test and will have learned the concepts needed to enroll in a senior level course at the workplace or applied level.
Is there a cost?
Yes, there is a fee of $35.00 to process your CREDIT ASSESSMENT if not completed.
The U~TURN Program has a Consumable Fee of $50.00
Dates
FALL Session 2009 Information Session September 10, 2009 @ 6:30 pm at RED HILL
- Classes start:
- Red Hill - September 15 - Tuesday & Thursdays ~ 9:00 am-3:00 pm (ends Nov. 5, 2009)
- King William - September 22 - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays ~ 4:30-7:30 pm (ends Nov. 2)
WINTER Session 2010 Information Session January 14, 2010 @ 6:30 pm at KING WILLIAM
- Classes start:
- Red Hill - January 26 - Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ 9:00 am-3:00 pm (ends Apr. 1)
- King William - January 26 - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays ~ 4:30-7:30 pm (ends Apr. 1
WHAT IS THE END RESULT AFTER 16 WEEKS OF THE PREP COURSE?
- You gain up to 16 credits at the Grade 9 & 10 level upon passing the assessments
AND
- 1 Senior Social Science credit
For a total of 17 Credits towards your OSSD…
You only need 13 more credits to graduate!
Next Step...Call 905-561-2190 for more information!