YRDSB Offers Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for Grades 10-12

This report by Farshad Fazaeli is based on information published by York Region District School Board.

The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) facilitates a formal evaluation and accreditation process known as Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This initiative enables students who possess comprehensive knowledge and skills for specific Grade 10-12 courses offered within the YRDSB curriculum to apply to challenge these courses for credit. Students are permitted to earn a maximum of four credits through this challenge process, with a limit of two credits in any single discipline.

Eligibility for challenging a course for credit extends to secondary school students actively enrolled in a YRDSB day school program. Students under the age of eighteen are required to obtain parental approval before submitting an application. Additionally, all applicants must secure their Principal’s approval. Mature students, defined as those not attending a regular day school, are also eligible to challenge Grade 11 and 12 courses for credit.

The PLAR challenge assessments for the upcoming cycle are scheduled to take place virtually in May 2027. Prospective students must submit their completed applications, which include a student paragraph and supporting proof demonstrating readiness to challenge, to their respective YRDSB guidance department by January 8, 2027. Certain evaluation tasks will need to be completed by the student during March and April.

In instances of disagreement regarding a principal's decision on a student's eligibility to challenge for credit, an adult student or the parent of a non-adult student may request a review by the appropriate supervisory officer. Students are allowed to reapply for a challenge for a specific course after a reasonable interval, provided they can furnish reasonable evidence of additional study and experience since their previous attempt.

Assessment and evaluation strategies employed in the PLAR process are firmly rooted in the curriculum expectations and achievement charts outlined in the Ontario curriculum policy. These strategies encompass formal tests and various other assessment methods, maintaining a balance between written work and practical demonstrations. The specific balance is tailored to the subject or discipline and may include written assignments, quizzes, demonstrations, performances, laboratory work, and direct observation of the student.

A student has the option to withdraw from the challenge process before the final formal test without any notation appearing on their Ontario Student Transcript (OST). However, if a student enters the final phase of the challenge process in the summer and subsequently chooses to withdraw, a mark will be recorded on the OST for Grade 11 and 12 courses, and on the Cumulative Tracking Record for Grades 10-12 courses. The student’s final percentage grade will be entered on the OST in the same manner as grades for other courses. For Grade 10 challenges, only passing percentage grades are recorded on the OST. For Grade 11 and 12 challenges, both passing and failing percentage grades, as well as withdrawals, will be entered on the OST.

According to York Region District School Board. Source: York Region District School Board