The Texas State Legislature unanimously approved House Bill 2424 (TX HB 2424), an act that requires the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to propose rules for establishing a program to issue micro-credentials in fields of study related to an educator’s certification class. In addition, SBEC will propose rules to establish a process for identifying continuing education programs that include opportunities for educators to earn micro-credentials in such fields.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will approve continuing education providers to offer micro-credentials. When an educator earns a micro-credential, TEA will record it on the Educator Certification Online System and include it as a part of the educator’s public certification records.
In 2017 and 2018, TEA piloted six micro-credential programs with BloomBoard that included 400 educators across Texas that spanned topics of teacher effectiveness, college and career readiness; early literacy, career and technical education (CTE), among others.
“More and more states are starting to recognize micro-credentials as an effective means of professional learning and educator advancement. Texas has been at the forefront of micro-credentialing and I’m excited to see the resounding support from state lawmakers through this new bill.”
Jason Lange
Co-founder and President, BloomBoard
The Texas House voted 142-0 and the Senate voted 31-0 to approve House Bill 2424. The bill was authored by state Representative Trent Ashby, sponsored by state Senator Pat Fallon, and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 14, 2019.
MICRO-CREDENTIALS IN ACTION
Curious to learn more about micro-credentials? See how Harmony Public Schools, the largest charter management organization in Texas, is leveraging micro-credentials to provide educators with performance-based compensation and career advancement opportunities designed to improve teacher effectiveness, retention, and satisfaction. Read their story »
