Credentials Unscripted

Do we adequately know how to measure the totality of the college experience? How do we begin to measure the experiences of learners outside of the classroom? In this episode, we speak with Rob Buelow of Vector Solutions to discuss how universities can better engage students and employers by focusing on "durable skills" that better describe the value of the college experience.

The term "stackable credentials" can mean many things, from college efforts to embed short-term credentials into their degree programs to larger-scale efforts to rethink the way credentialing is done through alternative approaches, like skills and badges. We speak with Lindsay Daugherty, Senior Policy Researcher from RAND Corporation to dig into the research around stackable credential programs and whether they are delivering on their premise -- to advance a learner's opportunities and outcomes.

Microcredentials are quickly becoming the most talked about topic in credentialing. What's not to love? Microcredentials recognize competencies to increase the ability to display a learner's skills. Noah Geisel walks us through what we're getting right, the challenge of adoption, and the complicated nature of reinventing the recognition of what people know.

Dr. Marc Booker, Vice Provost of Strategy for the University of Phoenix joins us to discuss how institutions can adopt a culture of credit mobility by incorporating credit-for-prior-learning (CPL) and prior learning assessments (PLA) during the admissions process. Dr. Booker shares how the University of Phoenix team have made concerted efforts to account for non-traditional learning to give students greater opportunity to advance their academic career.

Jasmin Saidi-Kuehnert, President & CEO of Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) joins us to discuss the challenges of evaluating credentials from across the globe. We discuss the laborious process for understanding educational systems around the world, the role the credential evaluation community plays, and offer up some solutions to make the international exchange of credentials easier.

Heather Adams, Associate Director of Transfer Engagement at The Aspen Institute, joins us to discuss how institutions can improve the experience for transfer students. We discuss how institutions need to shift their understanding of the transfer student from a transaction to a holistic view of a learner's journey, as well as best practices from the Aspen Institute's Transfer Playbook. 

Heather Adams, Associate Director of Transfer Engagement at The Aspen Institute, joins us to discuss the reasons why students transfer and why it's critical for institutions to think differently about the transfer student experience. We discuss the stigma around transfer students, the institutional bias against transfer students, and the insufficiency of transfer articulation agreements. 

Amy Williams, Executive Director at the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), joins us to discuss the importance of quality and rigor in Dual Enrollment. We discuss the importance of standards in advancing equity and access, as well as how school districts can scale up their Dual Enrollment programs. 

Sarah Spradling, College & Career Transition Coordinator at Vandegrift High School, joins us to discuss how you can advise high school students on Dual Enrollment. We discuss how to navigate conversations with students, how to "sell" Dual Enrollment to families, and how to align Dual Enrollment to a student's goals.

Dr. Rebecca De Leon, Associate Vice President for Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships at South Texas College, joins us as one of the leading advocates for Dual Enrollment, with a long track record of Dual Enrollment success at South Texas College to increase access and opportunity for learners. We discuss the positive impacts of Dual Enrollment, how to grow your Dual Enrollment program, and how to introduce more effective learner pathways.