Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) & Mature Student Assessment (MSA) Policy

At Am-Can Business & Tech Institute, we recognize that significant, verifiable learning can take place outside of the traditional Ontario high school classroom. The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process allows students to earn credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) based on their prior learning, experiences, and verifiable skills.

This policy outlines the two distinct PLAR processes: the standard PLAR for regular day-school students, and the PLAR with Mature Student Assessment (MSA) for mature learners.

1. The PLAR Framework

The PLAR process consists of two components:

• The Equivalency Process: Assessing credentials from other jurisdictions or non-inspected educational programs to determine if they are equivalent to Ontario curriculum expectations.

• The Challenge Process: Allowing students to challenge a specific Grade 10, 11, or 12 course by demonstrating that they have already acquired the skills and knowledge outlined in the provincial curriculum through extensive evaluation (tests, portfolios, and assignments). Note: Grade 9 courses cannot be challenged.

2. Eligibility Categories

A. Regular Students:

• Students under the age of 18, or adults who have been continuously enrolled in a regular day school program.

• Regular students may challenge up to a maximum of four (4) credits for prior learning, with no more than two (2) credits in any one subject discipline.

B. Mature Students:

• A mature student is defined as someone who is at least 18 years of age on or before December 31 of the school year and who has been out of school for at least one full year.

• Mature students benefit from specialized PLAR provisions that allow for faster credit accumulation based on life and work experience.

3. Mature Student Assessment (MSA) Policy

For mature students who do not have formal high school transcripts (or whose international records cannot be verified), Am-Can Business & Tech Institute offers the Mature Student Assessment (MSA).

The MSA is a diagnostic tool used to determine a mature student's current academic level and grant equivalent credits for early high school learning.

• Grade 9 and 10 Equivalency: Mature students may complete the MSA in English, Mathematics, and Science. Successful completion of the MSA can result in the granting of up to 16 Grade 9 and 10 equivalency credits in one step, placing the student directly into the Senior (Grade 11 and 12) program.

• Grade 11 and 12 Equivalency: Mature students may earn up to 10 additional Grade 11 and 12 credits through the equivalency process based on formal post-secondary education, apprenticeships, or documented workplace training.

• Minimum Requirement: Regardless of the number of credits granted through PLAR and the MSA, all mature students must complete a minimum of four (4) Grade 11 or 12 credits directly through Am-Can Business & Tech Institute (or another inspected Ontario school) to earn their OSSD.

4. The PLAR Challenge Process

If a student wishes to challenge a specific Grade 10, 11, or 12 course, they must follow these steps:

1. Application: Submit a formal PLAR Challenge Application to the Office of the Principal, including a portfolio of evidence (e.g., certificates, letters from employers, samples of work) demonstrating that the student has met the course expectations.

2. Review: The Principal and a subject-matter expert will review the application. If the application is approved, an evaluation plan will be created.

3. Assessment: The student must complete a series of assessments, which may include formal written examinations, practical demonstrations, essays, or laboratory work. The assessment will cover 100% of the course expectations.

4. Evaluation: The student's performance will be graded according to standard Ministry evaluation rubrics. To earn the credit, the student must achieve a passing grade of at least 50%.

5. Assessment Formats & e-LMS Integration

• Digital Portfolios: Students can securely upload their PLAR evidence and portfolios directly through the techstudy.ca portal.

• Proctored Examinations: The MSA and any formal PLAR Challenge examinations must be completed under supervised conditions. Students may complete these exams in person at our Vaughan campus or online via our secure, live-proctoring software.

6. Record Keeping and Transcripts

• Equivalency Credits: Credits granted through the equivalency process (including the MSA) will be entered on the student's Ontario Student Transcript (OST) as "Equivalent" (EQV) and do not carry a percentage grade.

• Challenge Credits: For Grade 10 courses, only passing grades from a PLAR challenge will be recorded on the OST. For Grade 11 and 12 courses, passing and failing grades will be recorded on the OST, in accordance with the Ministry's Full Disclosure policy.

• All PLAR applications, evidence, and assessment results will be permanently filed in the student’s Ontario Student Record (OSR).