Leadership for Equity Micro-Credential: Lessons Learned on Design and Implementation

Patricia Garcia-Arena
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Coworkers collaborating at a computer

States and districts have recently begun developing and implementing micro-credentials as a means of providing high-quality and flexible professional learning experiences at scale. Micro-credentials are quick competency-based certifications that illustrate mastery of a skill.

As part of its Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the Center for the Study of Education Policy in partnership with LEAD Hubs, created a series of micro-credentials focused on leadership for equity. AIR was contracted to conduct a series of interviews with principals about their experience with micro-credentials to inform the ongoing micro-credential work.

This research brief describes the existing research on micro-credentials, the Leadership for Equity micro-credential content, the analytical approach that informed this research, and findings from the interviews. It concludes describing some challenges participants experienced and considerations for micro-credential adopters and providers.