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 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
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Content Assessment Micro-credentials: An educator who scores within -2 Standard Errors of Measure (SEM) from the qualifying score on their content area assessment may supplement the content area score by completing an approved micro-credential. Successful completion of the micro-credential and other requirements of the AAP qualify the teacher for a standard teaching license. Educators must be issued their provisional license under the AAP prior to purchasing a micro-credential. Currently, the following micro-credentials are available to teachers eligible for an AAP:
- Recognizing and Upholding Academic Rigor
- Leveraging Formative Assessment During a Math Lesson
- Leveraging Formative Assessment During an ELA Lesson
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:
- Building Positive Relationships with Students
- Implementing Collaborative Learning Structures
- Leveraging Effective Instructional Practices