What are micro-credentials? 

A micro-credential is professional learning that allows an educator to demonstrate competency for a discrete skill that can be demonstrated through the submission of artifacts scored by trained assessors against a rubric. After successful completion of 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 time to learn, to reflect, and to implement content that will impact their professional practices and lead to higher achievement for students. Micro-credentials also allow educators the flexibility to personalize learning experiences that are relevant to the needs of their students and backed by research as best-practices. Micro-credentials provide a way to recognize educators for existing skills and talents or newly acquired skills that are demonstrated in the educators' own time and in their own space.  

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 a variety of 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 is currently providing 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

Pedagogy Assessment Micro-credential: An educator teaching under a Provisional Professional Teaching License (PPTL) may choose to complete micro-credentials to take the place of 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. Currently, the following micro-credentials are available to teachers working under a PPTL:

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.  

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