RTI International Releases NC Feasibility Study as Part of NC Partnership for Micro-Credentials

The NC Partnership for Micro-Credentials—led by digiLEARN in partnership with New America and RTI International—commissioned RTI International to conduct a feasibility study of their mission, vision and goals given the state’s context and current system for teacher professional learning. RTI interviewed 43 individuals representing various sectors of NC’s public education system, reviewed documents and websites, and integrated findings from NC focus groups and the national scan conducted by New America. Read the full report.

A summary of findings from the report:

• The NC public school system serves a diverse set of communities, a high proportion of which are low-wealth and/ or rural.

• Interviews and focus groups indicate an appetite for microcredentials for teacher professional learning.

• Data also revealed reservations about integrating micro-credentials into teacher professional learning.

• NC has multiple efforts focused on the use of micro-credentials for teacher professional learning from which the NC Partnership for Micro-credentials could learn.

• Findings from this study highlight several critical practice, policy, and funding shifts for NC to help ensure effective implementation of micro-credentials.

• Study findings suggest measures for rolling out a statewide system of MCs for professional learning:

  • Start with WHY.

  • Ensure a clear implementation plan.

  • Tie to existing priorities.

  • Align with SBE’s 8-year plan.

  • Align with COVID-19 needs.

  • Pilot test and externally evaluate.