WSU Dance Area — Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Special Examination

Scope: Lower-division dance courses (1000– and 2000–level only)
Assessment modes: Oral Recitation • Proficiency • Challenge Exam • Portfolio Review

  • What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?

    Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) enables degree-seeking students to earn college credit for verifiable, college-level learning that matches the outcomes of a WSU Dance Program course. Credit is granted based on demonstrated knowledge and skills, not solely on experience. To be eligible, students must have at least five years of relevant experience.

  • Which courses are eligible?

    PLA is available only for 1000– and 2000–level dance courses. Each course is mapped to one (or more) assessment modes:

    Course (fill in) PLA Mode(s)
    DANC 1010 Introduction to Dance Oral Recitation
    DANC 1100 Ballet I Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 1200 Contemporary/Modern I Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 1310 Music for Dance Oral Recitation
    DANC 1450 Special Topics: World Dance Forms Oral Recitation
    DANC 1500 Jazz I Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 1520 Dance of World Cultures Oral Recitation
    DANC 1580 Rhythm Tap I Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 2250 Alignment and Conditioning for Dance/Pilates Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 2300 Dance Kinesiology Challenge Exam
    DANC 2410 Improvisation Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 2470 Ballet II Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 2490 Contemporary/Modern II Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 2500 Jazz II Proficiency Assessment
    DANC 2610 Short Courses: Workshops, Institutes, Special Programs Portfolio Review
    DANC 2950 Dance Festival Participation Portfolio Review

  • PLA Modes (what you’ll do)

    • Challenge Exam

      Demonstrate content mastery aligned to course outcomes (terminology, analysis, history, safety, etc.).

    • Oral Recitation

      Recorded response to prompts (definitions, analysis of excerpts, pedagogical rationale), demonstrating accuracy, clarity, and application to practice.

    • Technical Proficiency

      Recorded evaluation of set classwork/phrases, musicality, alignment, and safe practice.

    • Portfolio Review

      Submit curated artifacts (videos, rehearsal logs, teaching plans, program notes, certifications, reflective narratives) that map directly to the course learning outcomes. Portfolio credit is awarded for documented learning outcomes met, not hours danced.

  • Dance Program Prior Learning Assessment Process

    Initiate PLA Process

    The student completes the WSU PLA Application and the Dance Program PLA form, then meets with the Dance Program PLA faculty to determine eligibility.
     

    Pay Fee

    The student pays the required fees at the Cashier’s Office and obtains a payment stamp (or a receipt number if paying by phone): $25 per credit hour for credit-by-exam plus a $10 recording fee per course (see application).
     

    Contact & Test

    The student meets with the Dance Program PLA faculty to initiate the PLA process, then submits the completed assessment(s) via Canvas Catalog by the deadline.
     

    Determination

    Dance Program PLA faculty evaluate the student’s PLA submission(s) to determine whether the student demonstrates applied proficiency and/or mastery of the course learning outcomes.
     

    Credit Award

    Once the PLA is approved/awarded, the student must submit the signed form to the Registrar’s Office within two (2) weeks. Credit is posted as "SC" (Special Credit: The student has received credit through an examination, waiver, or substitution for which they are not eligible for a letter grade.) These credits are counted toward the total number of credits required for graduation but are not used to calculate the cumulative grade point average.

  • Step-by-Step Process

    Step 1 — Complete the PLA Application

    Step 2 — Pay the Fee

    • Challenge Exams/Oral/Technical/Portfolio: follow WSU’s special exam fees: $25 per credit hour + $10 recording fee (pay at the Cashier).

    Step 3 — Schedule the Assessment

    • Contact Dance PLA Coordinator, Dr. Juan Carlos Claudio juanclaudio@weber.edu to schedule:
      • To receive access to Canvas Catalog for links to Challenge Exam, Oral Recitation, Technical Proficiency, and Portfolio
      • Submission deadline and review window set with faculty.

    Step 4 — Complete the Assessment

    • Challenge Exam: take exam; faculty grade it.
    • Oral/Technical: complete live assessment (arrive early, warmed up).
    • Portfolio: submit one complete packet (see checklist) no later than the course withdrawal date for the current term.

    Step 5 — Credit Award & Posting

    • If you meet or exceed outcomes:
      • Faculty complete/sign the PLA form; Department Chair signs “Credit Awarded.”
      • The form is routed to Records for posting as “SC” (SC does not affect GPA or count toward residency. Additionally, SC does count toward graduation credit hours).
    • If outcomes are not met, no credit is awarded; fees are non-refundable.

  • Restrictions

    You may not pursue PLA for a course if any of the following apply:

    • You previously enrolled/attempted the course at WSU (including a W).
    • You are currently enrolled in the course.
    • You have already earned higher-level credit for similar content.
    • You have reached the institutional limit on special/challenge exam credits
      • The current limit for Experiential Credit is 25% of the credential being earned.
    • Concurrent Enrollment/Early College students are not eligible for special exam credits.
    • Prerequisite order applies (e.g., Technique I before Technique II).
    • PLA is available only for approved 1000/2000 dance program courses.

  • Portfolio Submission

    Eligibility & Fit

    • You are a matriculated WSU undergraduate.
    • Your experience is complete, and your learning aligns with the current WSU course outcomes.

    Required Components (one PDF/Folder + media links)

    1. Outcome Map: table mapping each course outcome to your evidence.
    2. Reflective Narrative (600–900 words): what you learned, how, and why it meets outcomes.
    3. Artifacts: links/files (performance/teaching videos, programs, lesson plans, journals, certificates).
    4. Verification (optional but helpful): brief letters/emails from supervisors/instructors confirming roles/dates.
    5. Academic Integrity: your statement that all work/evidence is your own (or properly credited).

    Quality Criteria (what faculty look for)

    • Direct alignment to outcomes (clear, one-to-one).
    • College-level rigor (analysis, terminology, safe practice).
    • Verification and authenticity of artifacts.
    • Inclusive/safe practice where relevant (e.g., warm-up protocols, modifications).

    Timeline

    • Submit by the course withdrawal date for the term you’re seeking credit.
    • Faculty render a decision and sign the determination form; you deliver it to Records by the last day of classes for posting.

  • Quick FAQs

    • Can I try more than once?

      No. Each PLA for a given course is one attempt.

    • How many challenge exams can I count?

      The current limit for Experiential Credit is 25% of the credential being earned.

    • Can I mix modes?

      Only if the course lists multiple PLA modes; otherwise, use the specified mode.

    • What shows on my transcript?

      The equivalent WSU course with a grade of “SC” (SC does not affect GPA or count toward residency. Additionally, SC does count toward graduation credit hours).

    • Do PLA credits affect GPA?

      No, CR does not affect GPA but counts toward requirements.

  • Contacts & Scheduling

  • Checklist (Student)