BILL REQ. #:  S-4091.1 

READ FIRST TIME 01/29/10.   

     AN ACT Relating to policies for the academic recognition of prior learning; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that students often bring a wealth of formal and informal learning experiences from which they have benefited before enrolling at Washington institutions of higher education. The legislature further finds that many of these experiences may represent learning outcomes equivalent or superior to those achieved by students in more traditional academic settings. It is the intent of the legislature that Washington institutions of higher education develop valued, reliable, and transparent policies regarding the academic recognition of prior significant life and learning experiences to be consistently applied at all Washington institutions of higher education.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The state board for community and technical colleges, in consultation with the higher education coordinating board, the workforce training and education coordinating board, the council of presidents, representatives from Washington institutions of higher education, representatives from two and four-year faculty, representatives from private career schools, and representatives from business and labor, shall develop policies for awarding academic credit for learning from work and military experience, military and law enforcement training, career college training, internships and externships, and apprenticeships.
     (2) The policies shall address, but are not limited to, issues regarding verification, accreditation, transfer of academic credit, licensing and professional recognition, and financial aid. To the greatest extent possible, the policies shall provide for consistent application by all institutions of higher education and a basis for accurate and complete academic counseling.
     (3) Policies developed by the state board for community and technical colleges along with recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2010.