TESC: Changes in Portfolio Process

I originally posted most of this message in the "am i missing something?" thread, but feel it may deserve a thread all its own.

I talked to someone in the TESC offices the other day, and this fellow informed me that 36 was the limit that they would allow any student to take in a calendar year, portfolios included.

I'm hoping this guy was new to TESC, or was either confused/misinformed. I wanted to nail down 36 credits of regular classes next year, and submit several portfolios in addition to that.

I read on one of the Yahoo! groups that TESC had recently changed their portfolio process, and that portfolios would now count against the alloted course load.

I asked the TESC guy point blank: "can I take a full course load of 36 credits via classes, and submit portfolios, even if I pay for them myself, outside of the comprehensive tuition", and he said no.

I don't mind if I have to pay for the extra portfolios (beyond the 36 credit limit covered under the comprehensive tuition plan). But this doesn't seem possible based on what I was told by this kid.

This would throw a MAJOR monkey wrench in my degree plan, as for family reasons, I really need to finish this thing as soon as I can.

Can anyone provide any clarification? Maybe some current TESC students ... ?

 

I should also add, that TESC's portfolio process has also changed in the way you actually "do" the portfolios. This part has been confirmed by a recent student.

It used to be, you ran off and got a course description, wrote your narrative, and submitted the thing. Then waited around for TESC to review it and get back to you.

Now, it has all moved online. You actually "sign up" for a "PLA" class (prior learning assessment, the new name for portfolios at TESC). You then use the online tools in a fashion similar to the online classes. Each PLA "class" is 16 weeks in duration. Meaning that you have to go through the portfolio process in a much more structured fashion. You submit the final portfolio after your advisor or mentor (can't remember which) has looked at it and gives you the OK.

I can understand this part, as I'm sure they must get handed a lot of sub-par portfolios. This will definitely help ensure more consistency in the format and content of the portfolios. I imagine the 16 week structure aspect of it is probably why it now counts against your course load. I think in the past you could just submit as many as you wanted to, independent from any physical classes that you may have signed up for.

However, I did hear from one student that you may be able to submit your portfolio "early", before the end of the 16-week semester, provided your advisor gives you the nod. I'm wondering then, why one wouldn't be able to slam portfolios through still. Finish one, sign up for another, etc.

 

Isn't 36 credits the limit to courses from TESC if you pay the full tuiition. This would not be an unusual limit for a college.

I assume you can still do courses from other schools, CLEP and other exams, and FEMA courses outside of the 36 credit limit.

 

Yes, you are correct in one sense. 36 is "typical" of what is considered to be a "full load". And you are correct that CLEP and other exams can be done separately, and do not count against the course load.

However, it is my understanding that TESC used to allow students to also have unlimited access to portfolios as well, and that these would not count against the course load. From I what I gather now, portfolios now count against the course load.

 

so does this means that if you do not pay the comprehensive fees you can take more than 36 credits worth of courses from TESC in a year ?

 

I seem to recall me asking him this as well, and I was told that 36 credits was the limit that a student could earn via portfolio and classes, regardless of the tuition arrangements (although in my moment of "shock", I may be confused).

Again, I'm hoping this kid was just new to the office, or misinformed. Anyone out there have any definitive answers on this one?

I will be enrolling (either way) in December, so I guess I'll find out soon enough - I just want to be as well-prepared as possible.

 

From the tesc.edu web site (note the part in bold):

Source:
http://www.tesc.edu/prospective/undergraduate/tuition.php

This would indicate to me that portfolios do indeed now count towards class load.

What's the point? For many subjects, if you know the material, it would probably be easier to take the class (which would be easy) and nail an easy 'A', rather than go through the hassles of trying to document that you know the material. Counting portfolios toward class load seems pointless to me. Sounds like either TESC is trying to get away from being associated with "rapid acceleration of a degree via portfolios" and more towards keeping students in seats for a fee.

 

Sounds to me like Charter Oak and Excelsior will be gaining a lot of new students

We've also been talking, off and on, with another regionally accredited school that's flirting with the idea of focusing on degree completion, and going after the "Big Three" market... it would be a welcome addition, if it comes about.

 

Can you reveal the name of this school yet?

 

Chip, we are listening...