Micro-Credentials

Micro-credentials for Practicing School Administrators

*DEED lists the Alaska Council of School Administrators as one of 3 providers in the state here: https://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/non-academic-credit-CEU-info – their link should be updated to go straight to the micro-credential page on ACSA website. Doug says ASDN will be added to the list too.

What it is: A micro-credential is a digital assessment that validates your existing skills and knowledge in a specific area. Think of it as earning a digital badge that proves your competency – it’s not a course you take, but rather a way to demonstrate what you know.

How it works: You submit work samples or artifacts that get reviewed by an assessor. Once approved, you receive a shareable digital badge that can be added to your resume or submitted to the state for recertification credit.

Benefits:

• Professional development credit – Each micro-credential counts as 30 hours or 2 credits toward licensure recertification requirements
• Document your existing skills – Build recognition for work that you already do
• Flexible and convenient – Complete online assessments on your own schedule
• Stackable credentials – Earn multiple micro-credentials over time to showcase your growth
• Standards-aligned – All micro-credentials align with the School Leader Paradigm Model

Micro-credentials offer a flexible, practical way to get professional recognition for your skills while meeting continuing education requirements and boosting your resume.

The Micro-credential Process

• Select a Micro-credential – Earn a micro-credential for something you already know, or use the credential process as a chance to grow your skillset.
• Demonstrate Your Competency – Review the micro-credential document to find the learning outcomes and what artifacts/evidence you will need to submit. When you are ready, submit your required artifacts for assessment.
• Share Your Skill – Upon successful completion and evaluation by an assessor, earn a digital badge that you can add to your portfolio or social networks. You can also use each micro-credential for two re-certification credits. 

Pricing: $250 per micro credential. You will register and pay for the micro credential on the ELN website. 

Micro credential topics:

Timing: The Alaska Council of School Administrators offers 15 Micro-credentials. These micro credentials can be started and completed at any time. Once complete, allow up to 15-days for evaluation. 

• 1. Leading Vision and Mission
• 2. Embedding an Ethical Work Culture
• 3. Building Personal Relationships
• 4. Exemplifying Student-Centeredness
• 5. Valuing and Celebrating Traditions
• 6. Advocating Personal Wellness
• 7. Personal Communication Skills
• 8. Leading Data Literacy
• 9. Assessing the Learning Environment
• 10. Creating a Learning-Focused Curriculum
• 11. Managing Change and Uncertainty
• 12. Providing Effective Instruction
• 13. Growing Through Personal Reflection
• 14. Implementing Data-Driven Decision-Making
• 15. Retaining and Developing Staff

Video: What is a Micro-Credential

Micro-Credentialing – A New ELN PD Innovation

Video: What is the Value in Earning a Micro-Credential?

https://youtu.be/5OjORMQ6S54?feature=shared

Micro-Credential Endorsements

• Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) – The Alaska Council of School Administrators, including the Alaska Superintendents Association and the Alaska Principals Associations, have endorsed these ELN micro-credentials. 
• ACSA-authorized micro-credentials can be used for re-certification with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. 
• Additionally, ACSA supports using this professional learning from ELN in connection with the School Leader Paradigm Model leadership framework.  

Other Endorsements for the ELN Micro-credentials

• • EdBridge -EdBridge Partners, LLC conducted a review and evaluation of a set of Micro-Credentials developed by the Ed Leaders Network (ELN) for endorsement of rigor; and for their alignment to the Building Ranks Framework for Effective School Leaders, developed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). EdBridge Partners has extensive experience in managing and reviewing the creation and implementation of Micro-Credential and digital badging programs in both K-12 and higher education. 
  • NASSP – All Micro-Credentials reviewed against the rubric were scored as “Fully Meeting the Criteria for Endorsement”. Both reviewers agreed in their evaluation of each Micro-Credential. Accordingly, NASSP is pleased to enthusiastically endorse the  Micro-Credentials presented and reviewed. Click here to view the complete letter of endorsement.
  • Illinois State Board of Education– All Micro-Credentials developed through the Illinois Principal Association have been evaluated and endorsed by the Illinois State Board of Education and approved to become part of an educator’s professional licensure.

• Pennsylvania Principals Association – The Pennsylvania Principals Association offers these micro-credentials as an option to meet state principal certification requirements.