Status: closed
Project: Stacking, Laddering, Transferability, and Micro-Credentials
Responsible Organization: British Columbia Council on Admissions & Transfer
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 the next steps regarding Framework implementation.
Purpose
To provide models of processes that ensure the Micro-Credential Framework will support continuous learning, student mobility, and system efficiency.
Scope
As a component of the Micro-Credential Framework development, this project will examine a number of approaches to support continuous learning, student mobility, and system efficiency. These approaches include:
- How micro-credentials may be stacked or laddered into longer programs or how longer programs may be broken down into micro-credentials for increased accessibility and flexibility
- How micro-credentials could be recognized and transferred between institutions
- How post-secondary institutions may effectively partner to offer micro-credentials intended to stack or ladder into a credential
- How both credit and non-credit micro-credentials could be included in stacking, laddering, and transfer processes
A review of key jurisdictions offers models for credential frameworks that support credential stacking or laddering, credential recognition and transfer, and inter-institutional credential development. Although frameworks that incorporate micro-credentials will be of particular interest, frameworks and principles drawn from other credential types should be incorporated.
Research Outcomes
- Identify key principles that underlie how credential stacking, laddering, recognition, and transfer are supported in existing and proposed credential frameworks.
- Identify key principles that underlie how inter-institutional credential development and offerings are supported in other jurisdictions’ operational (funding, fee structures, instructional costs) and educational (learner support, etc.) processes.
- In consultation with key B.C. stakeholders, develop recommendations to address these specific features of the Micro-Credential Framework.
- Identify areas for future consultation to maximize alignment of these processes and principles with other jurisdictions.
- Identify key principles that underlie how credit and non-credit learning can be combined in existing and proposed credential frameworks. Both operational (funding, fee structures, instructional costs) and educational (learner support, etc.) processes should be considered.
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 this call for proposals:
- Draft due by Feb 28, 2022 (should include stakeholder engagement).
- Complete project by March 31, 2022.
Deliverables
Submit a professional report that meets the research outcomes to rmckerlich@bccampus.ca by March 31, 2022. Please 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, 2021. Any questions about this call for proposal 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.