Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Challenge for Adolescents 2014-2015
Through a formal evaluation and accreditation process known as Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), students enrolled in TDSB secondary schools and Continuing Education programs may have their skills and knowledge evaluated against the overall expectations outlined in provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.).
Students’ prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting a credit for a Grade 10, 11 or 12 course developed from a provincial curriculum policy document published in 1999 or later. Students in Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 may apply to challenge for credit for certain Grade 10, 11 or 12 courses.
Please note the following rules which govern the challenge process:
- Students may challenge and earn a maximum of four credits for prior learning, including a maximum of two credits in any one discipline.
- The PLAR challenge process requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through assessment procedures that will include formal tests (70%) and other assessment activities (30%).
- Students can only challenge for courses that are currently taught in TDSB schools.
- There are some courses that cannot be challenged. (Please refer to the PLAR Fact Sheet available through Guidance).
- Students must be registered with a Toronto District School Board school and will not be charged a fee.
- Only successful challenges will be recorded as credits granted on the student’s OSR; however full disclosure will apply to attempts made at the Grade 11 and 12 levels.
- A complete challenge application and accompanying supportive documents, materials, proof, evidence to show knowledge and skills which meet all curriculum expectations for a course must be submitted by the set deadline.
Students are responsible for initiating the challenge process.
As the first step in preparation for this process, all interested students and parents/guardians/caregivers must attend a mandatory Information/Orientation session on:
- Wednesday, February 11, 2015
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
(Registration from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.)
Earl Haig Secondary School, Auditorium
100 Princess Avenue, Toronto, (Yonge and Sheppard area)
Registration is from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the presentation is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The challenge process will be clarified and curriculum specialists will answer questions with regard to the expectations of the challenge process.
Application forms will be available from the school Guidance office from Thursday, February 12, 2015. Students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who wish to challenge for a Grade 10, 11 or 12 course must complete an application and return it to the school Guidance office by March 6, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. Applications will be initially checked for completion by a school Administrator or Guidance Counsellor. Those deemed to be complete and appropriate will be assessed by central curriculum staff to determine if the challenge application is approved to proceed to the final evaluation. All applicants will be notified in writing of the status of their challenge application by April 7, 2015. The challenge process of assessment and evaluation will be conducted during the month of May.
If you have any questions about PLAR or the challenge process, please contact the school’s
Guidance office.
