Professional Learning Through Micro-Credentials
What are micro-credentials?
A micro-credential is professional learning that allows an educator to demonstrate competency for a discrete skill through the submission of artifacts scored by trained assessors against a rubric. After successfully completing the micro-credential, educators receive a digital badge to display as evidence of consistent and effective use of the target skill in their professional practice.
Why earn micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials allow educators to learn, reflect, and implement content that will impact their professional practices and lead to higher student achievement. They also allow educators the flexibility to personalize learning experiences that are relevant to their students' needs and backed by research as best practices. Micro-credentials provide a way to recognize educators for existing skills and talents or newly acquired skills demonstrated in the educators' own time and education.
How are micro-credentials being used in Arkansas?
DESE recognizes micro-credentials as part of a comprehensive system of professional development. Currently, DESE-approved micro-credentials are used in various ways to support teachers at all stages of the career continuum.
DESE is excited to offer micro-credentials on a variety of skills relevant to Arkansas educators. The Office of Educator Effectiveness and Licensure provides micro-credentials at no cost to Arkansas teachers and administrators through ArkansasIDEAS. To enroll in your first micro-credentials, visit: https://ideas.myarkansaspbs.org/micro-credentials
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Pedagogy Assessment Micro-credential: An educator teaching under a Provisional Professional Teaching License (PPTL) may choose to complete micro-credentials to replace the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) as a measure of pedagogical assessment. In addition, the PPTL educator may complete micro-credentials to fulfill the requirement for the additional 12 hours of training in pedagogy each year. To learn more, please speak to your licensure advisor.
Arkansas Teacher Career Continuum: Career Professionals seeking to earn the Master Professional Educator or Lead Professional Educator designation can select from approved micro-credential pathways to earn these distinctions for licensure.
