Status: closed
Project: Options for Transcription, Recognition, and Micro-Credentials
Responsible Organization: Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
Background
During winter and spring 2020–2021, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, working with sector stakeholders and partners, developed a Micro-Credential Framework to support a coordinated and consistent approach to the development and delivery of micro-credentials across B.C.’s public post-secondary system. As this work took place, it was recognized that some components of the Framework required additional research. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training is partnering with the British Columbia Council on Admissions & Transfer and BCcampus to lead research projects in six areas where further investigation is required to provide clarity around more complex components of the Framework. This work will assist the stakeholders to determine next steps regarding Framework implementation.
Purpose
Examine methods of transcription and recognition for micro-credentials offered at B.C. post-secondary institutions. Consider how completed micro-credentials are recognized for learners’ employment or future learning purposes and ensure transparency, accessibility, and accountability for all learners, including Indigenous learners, institutes, and communities. Make recommendations for a consistent, coordinated approach for transcription and recognition of micro-credentials.
Work may consider elements such as the following:
- Details to include in micro-credential records
- Retention and verification of records by post-secondary institutions or learners
- Recognition of records by employers
- Recognition of records by post-secondary institutions for transfer purposes
- Transcription of micro-credentials earned at multiple post-secondary institutions
- Recording of credit and non-credit micro-credential learning
Scope
It is important for learners to have a record or process whereby completed micro-credentials are verified and recognized for employment or learning purposes. The Micro-Credential Framework currently guides public post-secondary institutions to record credit-bearing micro-credentials on a learner’s transcript or other official record and to recognize non-credit–bearing micro-credentials in a way that supports identification of competencies obtained. Transcription and recognition of micro-credentials vary across post-secondary institutions and between credit and non-credit offerings within individual institutions.
The scope will include consideration of existing external recognition methods (e.g., badging, MyCreds, etc.) used in B.C. and other jurisdictions and any existing infrastructure implemented in B.C. post-secondary institutions.
Research Outcomes
- Identify existing external recognition methods (e.g., badging, MyCreds, etc.), and understand how they are used, for what purpose (recognition for employment, professional development or learning purposes), and any associated costs.
- Identify existing processes or infrastructure post-secondary institutions use to recognize micro-credential completion and any differences between credit and non-credit offerings.
- In consultation with key B.C. stakeholders and Indigenous partners, propose recommendations for transcription and recognition to increase transparency and accountability of micro-credentials completed at B.C. post-secondary institutions.
- Identify areas for future consultation to maximize alignment of recognition with jurisdictions outside B.C.
Proposed Time Line
Time line for submission:
- Submit proposal by November 23, 2021.
- Contract will be awarded on November 26, 2021.
Time line for work related to call for proposals:
- Draft due by February 28, 2022 (should include stakeholder engagement).
- Complete project by March 31, 2022.
Deliverables
Submit a professional final report that includes the research outcomes and recommendations relevant to the B.C. post-secondary context to rmckerlich@bccampus.ca by March 31, 2022. Note: A draft is due February 28, 2022.
Payment
The total amount of the contract will be GST inclusive.
Payment to be negotiated upon award of contract.
Application
Please submit your proposal using this application and email to rmckerlich@bccampus.ca by midnight on November 21. Any questions about this call can be addressed to the same.
The funders may seek to combine projects. Proponents should apply to all projects of interest, should suggest where they see opportunities to combine two or more projects, and should outline the benefits of doing so.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will guide the evaluation and selection of the successful proposal.
Quality
- Roles and relevant experience of principal and team members who will work on the project are clearly described.
- Project steps and milestones are clearly articulated and reasonable for the amount of effort noted.
- Proposal clearly states an understanding of the deliverables and the intention of the project.
Budget
- The budget is reasonable with regard to the work proposed.
- The budget is easy to understand and clearly outlines the most significant line items required, along with a reasonable time line for expenses.
- The budget clearly shows when the project work and related expenses will occur.