Micro-credentials as competency-verified recognition of educator professional learning¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Micro-credentials are a mechanism for recognizing specific competencies that support a student-centered classroom, such as checking for understanding, using exit tickets, using student data for decision making, or facilitating wait time. To earn one, educators "submit authentic artifacts of learning, such as student work samples, classroom videos, or reflections" as evidence of the articulated competency; qualified assessors review the evidence and award the micro-credential if the competency is demonstrated. The report positions micro-credentials as bridging informal and formal professional learning while letting educators manage their own learning journey.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Educators must submit authentic evidence artifacts demonstrating the articulated competency, and qualified assessors must review and award the credential

Constraints¶

• A major consideration the report names is how micro-credentials will be officially recognized as a benefit to the educator's professional trajectory

Target Learners¶

• K-12 educators and teachers

Target Learning Goals¶

• Specific classroom competencies supporting student-centered, personalized learning

Related Elements¶

• Digital Promise's Computational Thinking micro-credentials recognize educators whose students apply CT practices
• Micro-credentialing (digital badges) for recognizing teacher competencies
• Digital Open Badges

Examples¶

• Link earned micro-credentials to permanent base salary increases
• Convert earned micro-credentials into continuing education units for re-licensure and master's equivalency
• Count approved micro-credentials toward professional growth plan contact units for salary advancement
• Position micro-credentials to deliver more than certification: emphasize competency-based, personalized skill development for early adopters and address extrinsic motivations for mainstream adopters

Key Sources¶

• Micro-credentials: Spurring Educator Engagement. (2016). Digital Promise. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/e21db610-b75c-433c-ad69-6843a299598e