New research explores the rise of micro-credential programs in K-12, offers recommendations

Micro-credentials—qualifications awarded to students and workers who complete short, often skills-based courses—have become increasingly popular in higher education and the workforce. Now, K-12 schools are beginning to explore their potential to better engage students, build career readiness, and deliver more personalized learning.

To explore the topic, a new report from FutureEd, Skill Building: The Emerging Micro-Credential Movement in K-12 Education, offers a comprehensive analysis of how these credentials are taking shape in K-12, how it’s being used in schools, and whether it can live up to its promise of transforming the high school experience.

While some early efforts have shown promising gains in student engagement and achievement, the field faces significant challenges around inconsistent program quality, limited accountability, and skepticism from educators and students alike.

In response, the report includes lessons from the movement’s pioneers and offers recommendations for education leaders to help K-12 micro-credentialing reach its full potential.

Download the report from the FutureEd website.

FutureEd is an independent, solution-oriented think tank at Georgetown 
University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.