At the OCDSB, mature students can go through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition process to earn high school credits for the knowledge and skills that they’ve acquired, in formal and informal ways, both in and outside of school. Students can have their knowledge and skills evaluated against expectations outlined by the province, in order to earn credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

The Ministry of Education made updates to Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 132 in September 2023, which impact how PLAR programs are delivered across the province. The policy changes have aligned our process with Ministry direction.

The revisions reflect the value of all students’ diverse lived experiences and seek to include a way for those experiences to be recognized for secondary credit. They reinforce our commitment to create a community of belonging, promote excellence, and eliminate disparities in access, opportunities, and outcomes in learning.

Staff presented Report No. 24-083 to the Ad Hoc Policy Committee on June 6th and to the Board of Trustees on June 24th, where they discussed the draft policy. You can view the approved policy at the following link: