Individuals in the United States can pursue a variety of different types of postsecondary education credentials. This Perspective describes four common types: degrees, certificates, industry certifications and licenses, and apprenticeships. Bachelor's degrees are the most commonly awarded postsecondary credential in the United States…

In 2015, the Minnesota Legislature passed statute 135A.012 Higher Education Goal, which enacted a goal that 70% of Minnesota adults (ages 25-44) will have attained a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2025. In recognition of existing gaps in attainment, the law also sets 30% and 50% educational attainment benchmarks for all races and…

Most states now have a statewide credential attainment goal, which sets targets for the number of residents with a postsecondary credential. These goals can help states to increase the educational levels of the adult population and address the workforce needs of the state. Unfortunately, many states may lack the capability to measure progress…

In order to build an inclusive economy State leaders have recognized the critical importance of postsecondary attainment in meeting economic and equity goals. Nearly every state has, or is considering a postsecondary education attainment goal, which sets a threshold for the number of people within that state who hold some type of postsecondary…

Many states include non-degree credentials (such as certificates, industry certifications, or licenses) within their statewide educational attainment goal. These goals set targets for the percentage of residents with a postsecondary credential. In order to measure progress towards educational attainment goals, states must collect data about each…

Education and training beyond high school are important for securing opportunities for high-wage jobs in the United States. Academic degrees awarded by institutions of higher education represent a key component of the post-high-school credentials available to the American labor force. Other credentials, such as industry-recognized certifications,…

As changing student demographics make it harder for today's learners to earn a four-year degree, educators are experimenting with smaller credentialing steps, such as digital badges. Mark Milliron, chancellor of Western Governors University Texas, advocates the creation of a "family of credentials," ranging from digital badges to certifications,…

The study comparing National Board certified teachers (NBCTs) with their non-Board certified colleagues was conducted using four North Carolina school districts. In Phase I, descriptive results from the development of Teacher Achievement Indices using hierarchical linear modeling based on student achievement results are reported for 307 5th grade…

Focuses on the possibilities for better ways of selecting school administrators, emphasizing in particular the inclusion of continuous measurement of the candidate's performance in an administrative role; performance criteria need to be developed so that prospective principals can be measured by how they behave in realistic situations. (SB)

A plea for the retention of professional status for all teaching functions. Author believes this means a mandated minimum preparation with its essential features determined by the totality of practitioners. (RB)

A report on the Association for Educational Communication and Technology's task forces on certification and accreditation. (HB)

A definition of instructional technology in reference to accreditation and certification criteria. (HB)

The Department of Defense's (DOD) efforts to assure that its physicians are qualified to perform their assigned duties are discussed. Five sections include: introduction; additional actions needed to help assure that military physicians have proper qualifications; hospital credentialing and privileging systems needed to comply with DOD…

This proposal is intended to provide the California Community College system with a means by which to better serve student needs and enhance the ability of the Chancellor's Office to record and report the many different certificates that are awarded by California's community colleges. This proposal is designed to provide the Chancellor's office…

Ratings of actual and ideal goals and tasks of counselor licensing boards were obtained. A sample of 237 licensing board members from states issuing licenses, certification, or registry to counselors was provided by 37 boards. Board members rated public protection goals as most frequently accomplished and public protection tasks as most…