A major focus of sociological research is on the role of the credential as a 'currency of opportunity', mediating the relationship between education and occupational destinations. However, the labour market has largely remained a 'black box' in sociological and education policy studies. This article draws on 'big data' from over 21,000,000 job…

The idea of student-centered learning is not new; teachers have long sought to design personalized, competency-based environments that are tailored to individuals and that empower students to drive their own learning. What is new is the emergence of an online learning ecosystem and, with it, the technical possibility of equipping all students with…

The "Undergraduate Degree Earners" report series, published annually, provides a demographic and education profile for all students graduating with an undergraduate credential, which may include associate and bachelor's degrees and certificates. In this report, the authors profile graduates in the 2018-19 academic year, with a focus on…

As the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reverberate across the nation into our homes, federal lawmakers are providing financial relief to help restart the economy as states scramble to create jobs and deploy resources to guard against further job losses and budget cuts. Lumina Foundation believes recovery begins with serving…

This report examines the results of the Senior Exit Survey, which is administered annually to all graduating high school students. The five-fold purpose of the survey is to explore: (1) senior's postsecondary plans; (2) the credentials they plan to acquire; (3) the institutions they plan to attend; (4) the fields of study they choose to pursue;…

Instead of enrolling for four or more years to get a bachelor's degree, what if individuals could work their way toward a degree gradually? First, they would attend college or a trade school for six months or a year and earn a certificate that prepares them for an entry-level job in various fields. Then, they would pursue additional knowledge and…

The academic credentialing landscape is rapidly evolving. Institutions of higher education must meet this critical moment in the evolution of how learning is delivered, assessed, and recognized. While some educational institutions have shifted to issuing Electronic Data Exchange (EDX), digitally signed PDFs or blockchain verifiable credentials,…

To stand out in a crowded marketplace, every organization must find or create a competitive edge. Companies without a unique advantage get lost in a tide of rivals. In the context of higher education, the registrar's office rarely commands the resources to achieve dramatic overhauls. Rather, incremental innovation offers a far more efficient use…

Career and technical education (CTE) has become a key focus of stakeholders across the political spectrum. It has been shown to be an effective means of promoting many desired outcomes, including increased chances of high school graduation, improved opportunities of enrolling in advanced math and science courses, and increased earnings after high…

This article is the second in a series of three articles about academic fraud. The first, "Diploma Mills and Counterfeit Operations, Part 1" by Allen Ezell College and University v94 n3 Sum 2019 described the history and growth of diploma mills and counterfeit operations. This article provides an in-depth look at the operations of the…

Microcredentials create opportunities for continuing growth of all teachers based on specific needs. They provide ways for teachers to lead their own learning while allowing administrators to identify and address teachers' needs as well as the expertise teachers have to share with their colleagues. Microcredentials are different from traditional…

Access to digital technology has demonstrated the ability to change learning in the workplace with easily available resources and flexibility through often self-paced learning environments, offering employees the ability to take control of their learning experiences. The scarce existing body of research suggests that "specialised" MOOCs…

Over its 100-year plus history the community college has struggled to make clear its mission. As a comprehensive community college its mission has bounced around to focus on liberal arts, developmental, workforce, community, and general education. In today's increasingly competitive society with shifting values and changes in power it is likely…

California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Commission) requires all programs of preliminary multiple and single subject teacher preparation to use a Commission-approved Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) as one of the program completion requirements for prospective teacher candidates. Three TPA models were approved by the Commission: (1)…

Changes in the qualification profiles of workers is one indicator of changes in the supply and demand for education and training. Using Australian Census data on highest qualification held (which may understate the incidence of Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications if they were obtained after completing higher education) this…