About ELN Micro-Credentials

Since 2017, the IPA, in conjunction with the state principals associations throughout the country, set out to create a proficiency-based system of validating a school leader’s skills tied to state and national standards, including the School Leader Paradigm framework. The result of this work has been the publication of 58 school leader Micro-Credentials endorsed and recognized as the leadership Micro-Credential gold standard by the National Association of Secondary School Leaders (NASSP) (see letter to the right) and EdBridge (see report to the right). Through suggested resources and a research-based approach to skill definition, earners learn, then develop and submit evidence for scoring by content specialists. The Micro-Credentials awarded by ELN provide not only a rigorous, double-blind review process but also deliver a digital badge based on the industry’s Open Badging technical specifications, providing tangible evidence of the earner's growth and/or skill in a specific area.

In Illinois, earners may elect professional development hours or Administrator Academy credit upon successful completion of a Micro-Credential. Earned Micro-Credentials are displayed on the Illinois Professional Educators License under the "Additional Credentials" section.

In other states, Micro-Credentials offer earners options for earning professional development credit and/or an alternative pathway to licensure renewal.

The ELN’s collection of Micro-Credentials currently includes skill assessments aligned to the 21 Leadership Dimensions under the 3 Domains of the School Leader Paradigm. The full library of Micro-Credentials available on the Ed Leaders Network can be found below. Clicking on the Micro-Credential listed below will take you to the Ed Leaders Network website where you can learn more about the Micro-Credential program including how to register. After registering for a Micro-Credential you will complete your work within the ELN Micro-Credential Portal. Visit the Ed Leaders Network to learn more about Micro-Credentials, and direct any questions you may have about Micro-Credentials to support@ilprincipals.org.

ELN Micro-Credential Endorsements