What Happened?
Chicago, Philadelphia and Providence have all launched out-of-school digital badge programs to encourage alternate learning routes in support of the local public school systems.
The Goal
The Center for an Urban Future from the New York University Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service put together a report highlighting innovative solutions cities across the country have implemented to address critical challenges facing many municipalities. The strategies are being acknowledged for their unique and efficient approach to problems being reported on a global level.
In Chicago, Philadelphia and Providence, students in the K-12 public school systems can earn academic credentials and skills from educational programs, workshops and classes offered outside of the standard classroom. By expanding the educational settings for students to public libraries, museums and online platforms, engagement with skills and coursework has improved.
Program Basics
The cities designed badges that recognize specific achievements or skills that can be accumulated by students in their digital portfolios. The badges represent specific coursework and training accomplished by the students that create a resume and simplify the transition from school into the workforce.
Following the example of the technology sector, the cities are using the digital badges as an alternative assessment system to track the progress of students outside of the classroom. The goal of the programs is to place greater emphasis on skills development to meet workforce needs that are not typically incorporated into K-12 curriculum.
Chicago: Summer of Learning
Chicago’s Summer of Learning is a city-wide challenge for students, local organizations and businesses to work together and improve workforce development and training. All information is accessible online, and students can present their achievements at an event before the 2013-2014 school year launches. The program aims to enhance alternative learning opportunities while increasing the city’s access to qualified workers.
Philadelphia: Digital On-Ramps
Philadelphia’s Digital On-Ramps program aims to service more than 175,000 students and adults in the city with digital learning opportunities. The initiative hopes to provide virtual resources for residents that enable training and skills development in specific industries, and make these achievements recognizable by organizations and employers in the community.
Providence: My PASA
Providence’s My PASA program provides students with opportunities to acquire digital badges when real work skills are achieved through city programs. The badge portfolio can then be used to unlock future learning opportunities such as paid internships or high school programs. The initiative hopes to encourage a variety of learning strategies while recognizing the value of workforce skills not often taught in the classroom.
The NYU report recommends municipalities work collaboratively with neighboring communities, organizations and industry leaders to develop various badges that can help students move forward academically and professionally outside of the classroom. The latest digital technology and software solutions have made these efforts cost-effective and easily deployed in diverse communities.
Educational Innovation
Gov1 has reported on other similar efforts to increase access to online learning resources as well as connect local employers to qualified workers.