The Learned Leader: Maintaining a Path to Learning in a Down Economy
by Colleen Caulfield
With servicemembers facing extended tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other global hot spots, the issue of post-military education is bubbling up once again. In May the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure that would direct $52 million over the next decade to fund a revised GI Bill that would provide any member of the military serving at least three years with a monthly stipend and full scholarship to an in-state public university.
By educating approximately eight million WWII veterans, the original GI Bill (signed by President Franklin Roosevelt towards the tail end of World War II) is credited with having a profound impact on the post-War economic, academic and social fabric of the nation. Yet today, because of persistently rising tuition fees, GI benefits, some argue, have been pressed to keep up—putting four-year colleges out of reach for many Veterans. In fact, data indicate 90 percent of veterans attend community college, versus only 38 percent of the overall population.
As active duty military find themselves increasingly challenged to balance personal budget obligations with a desire to pursue professional development and education opportunities , the passage of the 21st century GI Bill should ease these concerns. Even so, the temptation to eliminate costly college courses or other professional development alternatives will remain strong given the current climate. Beyond the GI Bill, members of the military facing this quandary may not be fully aware of—or have fully leveraged—a host of afford able programs and tools that enable them to continue on a path to learning during periods when money is tight and time is precious. This column outlines some of these programs and tools that can most benefit members of the service—and their families.
STANDARDIZED SUBJECT TESTS
What is often frustrating to servicemembers preparing for a postmilitary career is that they must pay thousands of dollars—and spend substantial amounts of time—on college courses in order to receive accreditation for knowledge and skills they already possess. Prior learning assessment is a flexible, less time-consuming and less costly alternative to college courses. Thousands of colleges nationwide and hundreds of military installations accept credits from prior learning assessment programs such as DSST, and thousands offer the exams. Generally costing under $100, each exam offers servicemembers the chance to earn three college credits for a passing score. With economic hardship and time constraints becoming more of a reality for servicemembers, many decide to put off learning and education for times when cash is more accessible—or when they “get home.” Using prior learning assessment as a means to continue learning allows servicemembers the opportunity to affordably and quickly advance their educations. The availability of many of these exams over the Internet has also made them available almost everywhere—on a military base or wherever servicemembers are deployed so there is no need to wait to move forward.
In addition, many of us have read in the news lately about the challenges starting to arise with academic financial aid and the increasing lack of availability of college loans. Inaccessibility of financial aid has put college or education out of reach for many servicemembers or their families. This is yet another reason why programs like the DSST exams are helpful. They are a way to continue to earn credit toward a degree—or to start a new degree program—without having to incur a substantial up-front cost. It is significantly more cost-effective to get three college credits by taking an exam, at less than $100, than it is to take a college course, which can sometimes cost over $300 per credit. And as mentioned earlier, the availability of these exams over the Internet has made them easier to access than ever before—and in many more locations.
Prior learning assessment programs are valuable regardless of the economic climate, but even more so during lean times because they allow serving military to earn credit for previously learned knowledge with minimal investment of time or money.
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MILITARY SPOUSES
A recent survey found that 87 percent of military spouses were interested in advancing their education, but viewed the cost of doing so an obstacle. Economic strains not only challenge military personnel, but spouses looking to initiate or continue a path to learning. Recent initiatives, such as the Defense and Labor departments’ career advancement demonstration project, provide career and training opportunities for an expanded number of military spouses (it covers spouses at 18 installations across eight states) who had previously been ineligible for these services.
In addition, a component of the GI Bill presented to Congress by the Pentagon seeks to transfer education benefits to spouses (and children), reflecting increased efforts by the Pentagon to enhance professional development opportunities for military spouses.
INTERNET BASED TESTING (IBT) AND PRE-TESTS
Another cost driver benefiting those serving in the military is broad adoption of the Internet based testing (IBT) format—minimizing the expense and time obligations associated with paper-based examinations. IBT narrows the geographic gulf often standing between test takers and the exam centers, reducing the travel time required significantly.
The cost and time benefits of IBT can be undone if the test taker is required to do the same examination multiple times. Not only does this process require multiple registration fees, but it eats up time precious time for the candidate as well. Pre-tests offer the candidate an immediate diagnostic profile that helps the test-taker determine which specific areas need to be worked on; while at the same time directing them to areas of the books they should focus on when studying.
TRANSCRIPT SERVICES
Servicemembers seeking a post-military education know that these colleges and universities require transcripts of any certifications, exam results or other professional development credentials attained while on active duty. What some may not know is that transcript services are fully funded, sparing them the time and expense of consolidating exam results and sending them to selected institutions on their behalf.
Renewed efforts by government and industry to create a more affordable path to learning for active duty military and their spouses have expanded the number of servicemembers eligible for funded programs within an economic climate challenging the budgets of all military families. From extension of programs originating in the Defense Department and potential Congressional action; to partnerships with leading certification vendors committed to enhancing and simplifying the examination and certification process for test-takers, a down economy does not mean military personnel must halt their path to learning. ♦
* Colleen Caulfield is vice president, federal segment at Prometric, a global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment servcies.