Credentials Unscripted

The credentialing ecosystem is evolving, with newer credentials like microcredentials and badges taking center stage. But, change is not synonymous with positive growth. As we transform the credentialing landscape, what should our rubric for success be? In this episode, we speak with Simone Ravaioli, Director of Academic Innovation at Instructure. His work focuses on strategic initiatives that advance learner-centric recognition systems and global credential portability. We sat down to discuss the next generation of credentials, how we maximize value for learners, and where he sees opportunities for impactful change.

A decade ago, the "college for all" movement was in full gear. Since then, a sizable shift has taken place with a move towards other forms of credentials. Is that a good thing? How should we think about this shift? In this episode, we are joined by Matt Sigelman, President of The Burning Glass Institute, to discuss credential value, how to measure it and why it matters for learners, institutions and the workforce. 

What are American sentiments about higher education? How have feelings shifted over time? And, more importantly, what can be done? In this episode, we are joined by Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact & Planning at the Lumina Foundation, to discuss Gallup's survey on American higher education, the challenge of ROI and the perceptions of politicization on college campuses. 

Within the credentialing ecosystem, we talk about digital badges and LERs (Learning and Employment Records) with such frequency, that we often forget to ask ourselves core questions. What do employers actually want? Do they care about LERs and badges? In this episode, we are joined by Ian Davidsion, Chief Growth Officer at SmartResume. He shares what employers actually want, how to talk to employers about credentials, and why AI has accelerated the need for better communicating verifiable skills.

How is AI going to shape the future of work and education? What skills will be needed? What evolution will take place? In this episode, we are joined by AI ethicist and strategist, Rebecca Bultsma. We discuss how to think and talk about AI, as well as the need to "become more human".  

Paul Fain, Journalist and Founder of Workshift.org, joins us to discuss the short-term credentialing landscape, how we measure ROI, and the potential impacts of AI on learners and the higher education ecosystem. 

80% of community college students intend to transfer to earn their Bachelor's degree. Only 16% accomplish that goal. Why? To discuss the challenges of transfer and share how institutions can become more transfer friendly, we are joined by Tania LaViolet, Director of Research & Innovation at The Aspen Institute. She shares strategies from The Transfer Playbook 2.0 and discusses how we can assist learners in navigating their transfer pathway. To access The Transfer Playbook 2.0 in its entirety, click here - https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/playbooks/transfer-playbook-20-practical-guide-achieving-excellence-transfer-and-bachelors

Listen to learn how Purdue University Global is crafting new pathways for learners through incremental credentialing and "degree along the way". We are joined by Jacob Askeroth, who shares how they implemented microcredentials into their degree programs and how they are awarding Associate's Degrees on the way to a Bachelor's. You can read more about Purdue University Global's exciting initiatives by clicking here - https://evolllution.com/incremental-credentialing-and-degree-along-the-way

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Van Davis, Executive Director at WCET & Vice President of Digital Learning at WICHE, to discuss recent policy discussions and legislation related to Short-Term Pell. Dr. Davis shares the latest in federal policy, the potential impact of legislation, and the evolving short-term credential landscape. As we discuss in the episode, WICHE developed a phenomenal report on "State Approaches to Short-Term Postsecondary Credentials, which you can read here - https://www.wiche.edu/resources/state-approaches-to-short-term-postsecondary-credentials-challenges-opportunities-and-policy-gaps/

The landscape of Career Technical Education (CTE) is rapidly evolving. What are states doing to maximize opportunities for learners? How are states grappling with the proliferation of credentials? To understand the current status of CTE in the United States, Emily Passias, Deputy Executive Director at Advance CTE, joins us to share their latest report on state policy, credentials of value and recommendations on state strategy. To read Advance CTE's full report, "The State of Career Technical Education: Credentials of Value", click the following link - https://careertech.org/resource-center/series/the-state-of-cte/

Higher education is at a critical cultural moment, with growing skepticism around the value of a college degree. How can postsecondary remain relevant and valuable? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kenyatta Lovett, Principal at ESG. He shares a roadmap for delivering value in postsecondary education. We highlight ESG's excellent report, "The Great Value Shift", which illuminates how states, systems and institutions can strategically plan for meaningful change and increased impact. To read ESG's report on The Great Value Shift, visit this link - https://edstrategy.org/resource/the-great-value-shift/

Why is there a gap between the skills employers want and the skills we develop in higher education? How do we build the organizational capacity for rigorous earn-and-learn opportunities? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Annelies Goger, Fellow from The Brookings Institution. She highlights how states are scaling earn-and-learn opportunities, the value of skills frameworks, and the promise of a blended pathways model. She advocates for more rigorous apprenticeships, internships and experiential learning opportunities. To read more on Dr. Goger's research, follow this link - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-us-employers-and-educators-can-build-a-more-nimble-education-system-with-multiple-paths-to-success/

What is the value of experiential learning? And, what are the experiences that really matter for learners and employers? In this episode, Beth Merenstein, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement & Experiential Learning at Central Connecticut State University, joins us to share why experiential learning can have a significant impact on institutions, learners and the broader community. 

In this episode, we are joined by Shawn VanDerziel, President & CEO of the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), to discuss their report on the 2025 Job Outlook for graduates. Shawn highlights what competencies employers are looking for, where skills-based hiring is happening and how learners can best prepare themselves for the job market. To read NACE's 2025 Job Outlook report, see here - https://www.naceweb.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2025/publication/research-report/2025-nace-job-outlook-jan-2025.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=57d47fb0_3

How can AI improve credit mobility in higher education? In this episode, Jesse Boeding, Co-Founder of Education Assessment System, joins us to share research on AI and credit mobility. She highlights how to think about AI, why it's more than just a means to efficiency, and why leveraging AI is ultimately in the best interest of learners and institutions.

Kristen Vanselow, Assistant Vice President for Innovative Education & Partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University joins us to share how FGCU has developed a robust microcredential program that provides flexible, competency-based opportunities that signal readiness for careers beyond traditional degrees. Kristen shares how FGCU develops programs in partnership with leading employers to address skill gaps in the workforce, contributing to the success of the regional economy. For additional resources about FGCU's microcredentialing program, see here - https://www.instructure.com/resources/videos/fgcu-power-micro-credentialsTo learn more about UPCEA, visit https://upcea.edu/

In this episode, we are joined by Marla Gunasegaram, Systemwide Learning Technology Strategist at the California State University System. She shares how they scaled digital badging across the CSU system, how they collaborate with individual institutions and why a system-wide LMS is key to their success.

The digital credentialing landscape is quickly evolving, with the explosion of microcredentials, badges and the conversation around skills. What does the next 5 years of digital credentialing look like? In this episode, we are joined by Jason Weaver, VP of Product at Instructure, to hear his point of view on what needs to happen to ensure that digital credentials can scale and create the most opportunities for those that earn them. 

How should AI fit into the college admissions process? What guidance are institutions offering prospective students? And, how can high school counselors advise their students? In this episode, we speak with Emily Pacheco, Advisor for AI in College Admissions. We talk about ethical use of AI for college admissions, the opportunities ahead and the need to establish "rules of the road" for AI. To learn more about AI in College Admissions, visit edhub.ai for more resources/events. 

Credit for Prior Learning has long been utilized by higher education to award credit for work, life or training experience. But, how can CPL be utilized amidst the growing world of short-term, non-credit credentials? In this episode, we speak with Melanie Booth, Executive Director of the Higher Learning Commission's Credential Lab, and Ian Roark, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development & Innovation at Pima Community College, to discuss the policy and practice of making CPL a reality for different forms of credentials. 

What do we really know about the skills and competencies of graduates? Surprisingly, very little. In this episode, we are joined by Amber Garrison Duncan from the Competency Based Education Network, an organization dedicated to true competency — what an individual knows and can do — rather than on proxies for knowledge and skills.

Non-degree credentials are growing rapidly, but what does non-degree credential quality look like? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Van Noy, Director of the Education & Employment Research Center at Rutgers University. She shares a framework for non-degree credential quality and highlights the research around outcomes for non-degree credential attainers. 

How does the largest school district in the country set students up for postsecondary success? In this episode, we are joined by Kristen Harris, Executive Director of College & Career Planning at New York City Public Schools. She shares how they navigate postsecondary planning and the impactful practices they've implemented for student success.

Are dually enrolled students more likely to graduate? Are they more likely to enroll in postsecondary? In this episode, we dig into the impacts of dual enrollment on a student's pathway to and through higher education. We are joined by Tatiana Velaso, Senior Research Associate at the Community College Research Center to discuss the latest research into the postsecondary outcomes of dual enrollment students. To read more about the CCRC's research, click here - https://shorturl.at/cpvZt

What is the microcredentialing landscape in Europe? In this episode, we are joined by Anastasia Pouliou, an expert in Vocational Education & Training from Cedefop. She shares the work being done in Europe on microcredentials, how they are aligning to qualifications frameworks, and how microcredentials can impact learning. 

What does it actually mean to create a future-ready workforce? In this episode, we speak with Daphne Dor-Ner, VP of Product Management at Lightcast. She will share labor market information and how it can help institutions of higher education advance strategic priorities. If you are curious about how your institution can ensure you are creating credentials of value for your students, this episode is for you.

IPEDS recently released a trove of data around dual enrollment. In this episode, we sit down with John Fink from the Community College Research Center to discuss what we learned from the data and how it can help dual enrollment practitioners. As discussed in the episode, CCRC built a phenomenal dashboard to dissect the data. View the dashboard here - https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/easyblog/how-many-students-are-taking-dual-enrollment-courses-in-high-school-new-national-state-and-college-level-data.html

Sometimes the best way to look forward is to look back. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Ethan Hutt, Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, about the history of the student record, the benefits and drawbacks of our system today, and how he would like student records evolve. As we highlight in the episode, be sure to check out Dr. Hutt's book, Off the Mark: How Grades, Ratings and Rankings Undermine Learning (but Don't Have To) - https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674248410

Comprehensive Learner Records are billed as a new way for learners to communicate the totality of their educational experience. But, what goes in a CLR? How are students utilizing it? In this episode, we are joined by one of the early adopters of CLRs, Dr. Rodney Parks, Assistant Vice President & University Registrar at Elon University. Dr. Parks will share how they developed their CLR, the impacts of their work, and how he sees the CLR evolving in the future. 

How do we better connect learners to opportunities? How can states and employers better understand what credentials are being issued? Deb Everhart, Chief Strategy Officer at Credential Engine, joins us to discuss their efforts to improve pathways by investing in credential transparency. Deb shares how Credential Engine's Credential Registry and Credential Transparency Descriptor Language (CTDL) are powering what learners, states, and employers know about the credentialing ecosystem.

How can your school district build a robust dual/concurrent enrollment program? In this episode, we are joined by Michael Werner, Post-Secondary Planning Coordinator from Mounds View Public Schools. Michael will share practical tips on growing your program, communicating with students/parents, and how they expanded to offer an Associate's degree in high school. If you are invested in dual/concurrent enrollment, this episode is full of helpful resources and best practices.

What role can states play in advancing the credentialing ecosystem? In this episode, we speak with Nick Moore, Education Policy Advisor & Director from the Alabama Governor's Office, to learn how Alabama is revolutionizing credentialing and career pathways to further educational and economic mobility.

What is Course Sharing and how can it expand access to opportunities for students? Dr. Marina Aminy, Executive Director of California Virtual Campus, joins us to share why the California Community College System pursued Course Sharing and why it matters for students. 

Amanda Winters, Program Director at the National Governors Association, shares the work that states are doing to advance "skills-based hiring". We cover important changes in policy, the inherent ecosystem challenges and what this means for economic mobility.

Megan Garvy, Dual Enrollment Supervisor at Mesa Community College, shares the work they're doing with "Early College On-Ramps to Maricopa Pathways" to expand access to dual enrollment opportunities. Historically, dual enrollment has been dubbed a "program of privilege". Megan describes how they've increased access to college credit for students pursuing work-based certificates and CTE programs with success. You can learn more about Megan's work at her website - https://sites.google.com/view/levelupedupathways

Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure, joins us to discuss the role of technology in education. As educational institutions rely more heavily on EdTech to deliver services to their students, we discuss what it means to be "student-centered" and "customer-centric" as a technology provider. Finally, we attempt to answer the important question: has technology actually made education better?

What does a credential represent? And, does a degree really tell me what you know and how well you know it? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Naomi Boyer, Senior VIce President of Digital Transformation at Education Design Lab to help us navigate the complex world of credentialing and why skills and competencies are the missing piece to advancing a learner's educational and professional opportunities.

Can Artificial Intelligence help students navigate their educational pathway? Dr. Zachary Pardos, Associate Professor of Education at UC-Berkeley, joins us to share exciting developments in AI that shows significant promise in helping students navigate their pathway to a credential.

Do we adequately know how to measure the totality of the college experience? How do we begin to measure the experiences of learners outside of the classroom? In this episode, we speak with Rob Buelow of Vector Solutions to discuss how universities can better engage students and employers by focusing on "durable skills" that better describe the value of the college experience.

The term "stackable credentials" can mean many things, from college efforts to embed short-term credentials into their degree programs to larger-scale efforts to rethink the way credentialing is done through alternative approaches, like skills and badges. We speak with Lindsay Daugherty, Senior Policy Researcher from RAND Corporation to dig into the research around stackable credential programs and whether they are delivering on their premise -- to advance a learner's opportunities and outcomes.

Microcredentials are quickly becoming the most talked about topic in credentialing. What's not to love? Microcredentials recognize competencies to increase the ability to display a learner's skills. Noah Geisel walks us through what we're getting right, the challenge of adoption, and the complicated nature of reinventing the recognition of what people know.

Dr. Marc Booker, Vice Provost of Strategy for the University of Phoenix joins us to discuss how institutions can adopt a culture of credit mobility by incorporating credit-for-prior-learning (CPL) and prior learning assessments (PLA) during the admissions process. Dr. Booker shares how the University of Phoenix team have made concerted efforts to account for non-traditional learning to give students greater opportunity to advance their academic career.

Jasmin Saidi-Kuehnert, President & CEO of Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) joins us to discuss the challenges of evaluating credentials from across the globe. We discuss the laborious process for understanding educational systems around the world, the role the credential evaluation community plays, and offer up some solutions to make the international exchange of credentials easier.

Heather Adams, Associate Director of Transfer Engagement at The Aspen Institute, joins us to discuss how institutions can improve the experience for transfer students. We discuss how institutions need to shift their understanding of the transfer student from a transaction to a holistic view of a learner's journey, as well as best practices from the Aspen Institute's Transfer Playbook. 

Heather Adams, Associate Director of Transfer Engagement at The Aspen Institute, joins us to discuss the reasons why students transfer and why it's critical for institutions to think differently about the transfer student experience. We discuss the stigma around transfer students, the institutional bias against transfer students, and the insufficiency of transfer articulation agreements. 

Amy Williams, Executive Director at the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), joins us to discuss the importance of quality and rigor in Dual Enrollment. We discuss the importance of standards in advancing equity and access, as well as how school districts can scale up their Dual Enrollment programs. 

Sarah Spradling, College & Career Transition Coordinator at Vandegrift High School, joins us to discuss how you can advise high school students on Dual Enrollment. We discuss how to navigate conversations with students, how to "sell" Dual Enrollment to families, and how to align Dual Enrollment to a student's goals.

Dr. Rebecca De Leon, Associate Vice President for Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships at South Texas College, joins us as one of the leading advocates for Dual Enrollment, with a long track record of Dual Enrollment success at South Texas College to increase access and opportunity for learners. We discuss the positive impacts of Dual Enrollment, how to grow your Dual Enrollment program, and how to introduce more effective learner pathways. 

Why you should be excited for Credentials Unscripted!