More profiles from PLAR success stories are coming soon...

	Deb Blower Every person has a right to prove learning!
	Deb Blower Deb's involvement in PLAR began while she was an instructor for the Early Childhood Education Program at Red River College in 1983. Regulations adopted by the Manitoba Government required Early Childhood Educators to attain relevant credentials. Deb was aware of numerous individuals working in child care centres who had experiential learning equivalent to content and expectations required in ECE courses that she was teaching. It did not make sense to expect competent ECE's to relearn information that was already familiar. PLAR is validated each time a learner is successful. Deb has had the privilege of advising and assessing Maxine, who exemplifies PLAR validation. Maxine acquired competence as an Early Childhood Educator through years of operating a licensed Family Day Care Home. Utilizing the portfolio assessment process Maxine documented and demonstrated her knowledge and skills and was granted 9 PLAR credits towards her ECE Diploma. Success motivated Maxine to continue accessing learning at the University of Winnipeg, where she employed PLAR processes to acquire an additional credit towards a University degree. Deb continues to enjoy advocating for change and thrives on addressing the challenges of PLAR. Currently the PLAR Facilitator at Red River College in Manitoba, Deb strives to ensure that quality standards and credible PLAR practices are maintained. Deb facilitated the development and implementation of a PLAR Strategic Plan at RRC, and coordinates the integration and expansion of PLAR to meet the needs of adult learners accessing college programs and services. Deb endorses the investigation of voluntary PLAR Practitioner certification and accreditation standards and believes that training is critical. At RRC Deb initiated the development and delivery of two levels of PLAR Training for Practitioners. The PLAR Foundation Course is targeted towards individuals new to the PLAR world while the PLAR Practitioner Advanced Course is geared toward experienced PLAR Practitioners. Deb consistently raises awareness of PLAR, liaises with administration, faculty and staff, and ensures that quality PLAR practices are available throughout RRC. Deb delights in the success of learners and endorses PLAR as a learner's right.

	Maria Desjardins Passionate about accessibility and acknowledgment and is energized by the richness of learning and knowledge shared by learners.
	Maria Desjardins is the Coordinator of PLAR and Portfolio at Canada's "Portfolio College", Nova Scotia Community College. NSCC has made a commitment to portfolio learning and has integrated the concept of portfolio into all programs. At program graduation each learner receives two institutionally owned Records of Learning including a diploma and a transcript along with an individually owned Record of Learning called a portfolio. Learners completing programs at NSCC have articulated proof of knowledge and abilities showcased in a portfolio. Capacity has been built through partnership with the Halifax PLA Centre and currently 50 NSCC faculty and staff are certified Portfolio Practitioners. Opportunities are provided for faculty and staff to take the Portfolio Development Course which is recognized for credit in NSCC's Community College Education Diploma Program. All of Maria's professional life has revolved around recognition of learning even before the concept was known as PLAR. Maria empowered immigrants with the acquisition of language skills in the 1980's and utilized PLAR practices to facilitate immigrant job market entry. Involvement in bridging programs at the university level reinforced Maria's commitment to recognizing skills and learning and led her to a position at the Halifax PLA Centre. Maria's commitment to authenticity and her acceptance of responsibility to walk the talk encouraged her to personally complete the Portfolio Development Course. This self reflective journey described a path that was not sequential and linear but that led to a place that Maria felt was quite holistic. The portfolio confirmed Maria's dedication to accessibility and acknowledgement and to PLAR. Maria is humbled by the incredible privilege of changing people's lives. Kathy is an exemplary learner who credits portfolio with making a difference in her life. Utilizing the portfolio as a vehicle for change, Kathy embraced the concept and successfully challenged the system for continued support. In June 2005 Kathy is graduating from NSCC with the ACCC Student Leadership award. The portfolio is introducing a new model of education and it is essential that educational change is managed in a way that is respectful of people. Support for portfolio will continue to grow as symbolic light bulbs flash in understanding. Maria envisions a portfolio future with established benchmarks for exemplary practice where consistency is ensured. Innovation suggests challenge and Maria is committed to messing with existing world views. See Kathy, one of Maria's learners, on the Learner Profiles portion of RFL.