The North Carolina Basic Skills Instructor Credentialing Project began in response to a call from the field for a credential to help professionalize the field of adult education.  Such a credential was seen as a move toward accountability and would verify that the holder had participated in meaningful professional development activities and translated that knowledge into effective teaching and learning in Basic Skills programs.

The Credential:

• recognizes the specialization in Basic Skills as a bona fide field of study,

• offers a standardized system for transferring professional development into effective practice,

• acknowledges the professional accomplishments of both new and experienced Basic  Skills instructors, and

• ensures program quality for adult learners.

Guiding Principles
The Credential should:

•          Be based on a common set of teacher standards/competencies;

•          Be applicable to different contexts (e.g., adult high school, ESL, ABE, GED);

•          Be offered in flexible formats;

•          Be accessible and low cost;

•          Be grounded in a foundation of research, theory and practice;

•          Provide a continuum or pathway for new teachers;

•          Recognize prior experience, knowledge, and skills of veteran teachers;

•          Be recognized and valued at the state and local level; and

•          Should involve reflection and application/demonstration of skills and knowledge – not just “seat time.”

Click here to review some of the credentialing document.

Documents