Designing a Rigorous Micro-Credential Assessment Process to Verify Mastery of Competencies: Key Considerations

Details:

• Resource Type: Brief
• Estimated time: 1 team session

Purpose:

Engage with these resources to consider key considerations for designing a rigorous micro-credentialling program for principals.

EED TA Center micro-credential briefs feature focused literature reviews and discussions with eight grantee organizations designing and implementing micro-credentials programs. The first brief offers insights for engaging stakeholders in the design process and recruiting educators to understand the value of and participate in micro-credentialling programs. The second brief describes key considerations for ensuring a rigorous assessment for micro-credentials and includes illustrative examples from three grantee organizations.

Directions:

1. Invite team members to read Micro-Credential Engagement Briefs: Bite-Sized, Tailored, and Job-Embedded: Communicating the Value and Variety of Micro-Credentials in Education and Designing a Rigorous Micro-Credential Assessment Process to Verify Mastery of Competencies: Key Considerations.
2. Convene the team and invite members to consider the reflection questions to generate discussion about what it would take to design and implement a micro-credential program.

Reflection Questions:

1. If you are considering implementing or are already implementing micro-credentials, how does this strategy align with other components of your human capital management system, with program requirements, or with licensure requirements?
2. What data does or could your district, program, or organization use to identify and design appropriate micro-credentialing opportunities?
3. How are you communicating (or how do you plan to communicate) the purpose and value of micro-credentials to teachers?
4. What roles are required to implement micro-credentials? Who is tasked with each role?
5. What is or will be your approach to systematically aligning a priority competency to a specific evidence source?
6. How do you plan to sustain this strategy over time?

1. As a team, identify steps you can take to integrate new understandings or new practices into your grant work.
2. Explore additional resources of interest with your team.