Micro-Credentials and Educator Professional Learning | CS@AIR
Because computer science is a newer subject in most PK-12 schools, many teachers did not receive training in computer science content or pedagogy as part of their teacher preparation programs. As such, developing innovative ways to support educator professional learning for teaching computer science is very important. Micro-credentials are a rapidly expanding element of modern teacher professional learning and are increasingly being explored by school districts and states as an alternative pathway for computer science teacher licensure.
CS@AIR has been an early leader in helping conceptualize and implement micro-credential and educator professional learning programs. We also support the development of other forms of educator professional learning, including traditional workshops and co-development sessions, through our researcher-practitioner partnership work.
Wyoming Computer Science Micro-Credential Courses for Elementary Teachers
The Wyoming Department of Education recently created a set of computer science micro-credentials for elementary teachers. AIR developed, piloted, and implemented a series of self-paced that apply principles of adult learning to support teachers in meeting the micro-credential requirements. The courses are designed to provide multiple resources to support teachers’ ongoing computer science learning and teaching.
Kentucky Computer Science Micro-credential (EIR)
The Computer Science Micro-credential (CSMC) program aims to increase the number of credentialed CS elementary and middle school teachers in Kentucky and improve student math achievement by providing teachers with self-paced, competency-based CS micro-credentials, coaching, and a professional learning community. Through a U.S. Department of Education-funded Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant, AIR is conducting a randomized control trial to evaluate the impact and implementation of CSMC, which was developed by BloomBoard and the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative.
Online Courses for Supporting Teachers to Earn Computer Science Micro-credentials
Wyoming recently approved completion of 17 computer science micro-credentials as an alternative pathway to CS endorsement for K-12 teachers. AIR contracted with the Wyoming Department of Education to create two sets of online courses, one for elementary teachers and one for secondary teachers, designed to support teachers in developing the content and pedagogical knowledge needed to earn the micro-credentials.
CS for All Teachers: Teacher Leadership Micro-credentials
CS for All Teachers is developing a stack of micro-credentials for computer science teachers interested in strengthening or formalizing their teacher leadership knowledge and skills. These micro-credentials are unique in that they define teacher leadership within the context of computer science, providing a targeted professional learning and development pathway for teachers interested in growing professionally or taking on new leadership responsibilities. These micro-credentials offer teachers an opportunity to earn Professional Learning Units for leadership or personal development activities for which they are not currently being recognized.
