Micro-Credentials for Practicing School Administrators
What Is It? 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: Select one of the 15 approved Micro-Credentials. You submit work samples or artifacts that get reviewed by an assessor. ACSA-authorized Micro-Credentials can be used for re-certification with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. Once approved, you receive a digital badge and certificate that can be submitted to DEED for two re-certification credits.
(DEED lists the Alaska Council of School Administrators as one of 2 providers in the state: Non-Academic Credit, Continuing Education Units, & Micro-Credential Information)
Benefits:
- Professional development credit - Each Micro-Credential counts as 30 hours or 2 non-academic 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
- Standards-aligned - All Micro-Credentials align with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and 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.
- Use Your Credential – Upon successful completion and evaluation by an assessor, each Micro-Credential counts for two re-certification credits.
- Pricing - $250 per microcredential. You will register and pay for the microcredential on the ELN website.
- Timing - These micro credentials can be started and completed at any time. Once complete, evaluation takes up to 15 days.
Micro-Credentials
The Alaska Council of School Administrators, including the Alaska Superintendents Association and the Alaska Principals Associations, have endorsed these ELN Micro-Credentials. Additionally, ACSA supports using this professional learning from ELN in connection with the School Leader Paradigm Model leadership framework.
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Other Endorsements for the ELN Micro-credentials
- EdBridge - 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". Click here to view the complete letter of endorsement.
- Illinois State Board of Education– All Micro-Credentials 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 microcredentials as an option to meet state principal certification requirements.