Frequently Asked Questions

What is a microcredential?

A microcredential, also known as a badge, is a digital form of certification indicating demonstrated competency/mastery of a specific skill. A microcredential represents an educator’s demonstration of effective and consistent use of the target skill or concept as a part of instructional practice.

 

Who created Utah Microcredentials?

Utah Microcredentials is a professional learning opportunity supported by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Specific microcredentials and stacks within Utah Microcredentials are developed by Utah districts, charters, regional service centers, higher education institutions, educational leadership groups (e.g., UEN), and other stakeholders in Utah’s public education system.

 

Who can earn a Utah Microcredential?

Any educator in Utah’s public education system can earn microcredentials. Microcredentials can be earned by educators in a range of roles, including classroom teachers, instructional coaches, counselors, administrators, etc.

 

How do I earn a microcredential?

There are four steps to earning a microcredential:

  1. Browse the microcredential catalog in MIDAS and choose the one you want to earn.
  2. Collect evidence demonstrating competency with the target skill or concept.
  3. Submit the evidence in MIDAS.
  4. Respond to the reflection prompts in MIDAS.

Your submission will be reviewed and you will receive rubric-based feedback through MIDAS. If your initial submission is returned for revision, there is no limit to the number of times you can re-submit to earn the microcredential. Access MIDAS here: https://usbe.midaseducation.com

 

What is the difference between a microcredential, a stack, and a bundle?

This graphic shows the relationship between a microcredential, a stack, and a bundle. A stack is a digital form of certification indicating demonstrated competency/mastery in a specific set of microcredentials representing related skills or concepts. A bundle is a digital form of certification indicating demonstrated competency/mastery in a group of stacks representing related skills or concepts.

 

What is the value of a microcredential?

Microcredentials give the learner two things: visible recognition of demonstrated competency and USBE credit. They can be posted to your webpage, social media, etc. for others to see. Microcredentials can also be added to your resume so potential employers can see your skillset.

All Utah Microcredentials are worth 0.5 USBE credits.

Additionally, once you earn all the microcredentials in a stack, you become eligible to be one of the paid reviewers of the microcredentials in that stack.

 

Why do I get to choose from a menu of evidence options?

We know that every educator is different, with unique interests, skills, and circumstances. We want you to be able to select the evidence that best reflects your practice. This ability to personalize your professional learning mirrors educators’ efforts to personalize learning for their students.

 

Who reviews my Utah Microcredential submissions?

Evidence and reflections that are submitted to earn a microcredential are reviewed by trained Utah educators who have earned all the microcredentials within that stack. When your submission is reviewed, you will receive a message from MIDAS with the review results, including feedback based on the rubric. There is no limit to the number of times you can resubmit to earn a microcredential.

 

Why become a reviewer?

In addition to being compensated monetarily, Utah Microcredentials reviewers are teacher leaders, sharing feedback and expertise with other educators from across the state.

 

How can microcredentials help me become a teacher leader and advance my career?

A microcredential is a visible recognition of your competency with a specific skill or concept and opens opportunities for teacher leadership. Displaying your microcredentials on your social media, website, etc., is an invitation to other educators who are seeking to build their own expertise.

Additionally, your microcredentials can be included on your resume or curriculum vitae along with your other professional qualifications.

 

Why do I have to pay a review fee to earn a microcredential?

The review fee is used to compensate the Utah Microcredentials reviewers who provide feedback on evidence and reflection submissions. This helps to keep Utah Microcredentials self-sustaining.

 

Who can see my evidence?

The evidence and reflections you submit to earn a microcredential are assessed by trained Utah Microcredential reviewers. These are stored in MIDAS so Utah educators with MIDAS access credentials (login and password) can access and view them for professional learning.

 

How do I develop a new microcredential?

We are actively working to partner with stakeholders to broaden and deepen the ecosystem of microcredentials. Contact Daron Kennett to learn more, 801-402-5148.

 

Do Utah Microcredentials receive updates?

Utah Microcredentials are updated regularly as the learning standards, research base, best practices, and instructional tools change. If you have earned a microcredential that subsequently receives an update, your microcredential and its USBE credit will remain on your MIDAS transcript.

Occasionally, individual microcredentials are retired. If you have earned a microcredential that subsequently is retired, your microcredential and its USBE credit will remain on your MIDAS transcript.