7 Things You Need to Know About Micro-credentials
Micro-credentials are picking up steam in the professional learning world. From what you’ve heard, you might think of them as merely a series of badges learners can earn. But there is far more to micro-credentials than that.
Micro-credentials are in fact an incredibly effective way to implement a competency-based learning model (https://www.frontlineeducation.com/so.... Here’s how they work: learners like teachers, paraprofessionals, principals and others can select a micro-credential to pursue. As they learn, they submit specific evidence to demonstrate mastery of the subject at hand — whether that be content knowledge, specific pedagogical techniques, skills like classroom management, procedures like dealing with bloodborne pathogens, or many others. Then, this evidence is weighed by an assessor, who determines whether to award the micro-credential or ask the learner to keep working on it.
Beyond that, here are a few more things you should know about what micro-credentials can bring to your professional learning program:
1. Measure the demonstration of skill and knowledge, not time spent learning.
2. Honor existing competence and respect learners’ time.
3. They are a great way to meet the criteria for effective professional learning in the Every Student Succeeds Act. [https://www.frontlineeducation.com/so...]
4. Break down learning into manageable chunks.
5. Micro-credentials do not equal badges [https://www.frontlineeducation.com/so...].
6. Build your district’s brand.
7. Micro-credentials can provide leadership pathways.
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