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Certifications a Growing Option

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Opportunities for students to acquire valuable industry recognized credentials (IRCs) are alive and well in Wisconsin despite the new COVID environment. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)  and Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certifications offer two examples. Shortly after the pandemic hit, the testing agency, Certiport, quickly pivoted to proctoring online certification exams directly with students, one-on-one. Moving forward, however, Wisconsin educators resumed their role as proctors through a self-service model that enabled them to proctor many students in a testing environment.

Meeting Student Needs

In the cases of MOS and MTA, a hyperlink directs students to the software needed to complete certification exams so there is no need to download or install programs. Students and teachers typically work together to schedule an exam through Certiport, and local proctors receive a brief training in advance.

Assessing Student Readiness

  1. when a student is ready for a summative assessment, such as a certification exam, can come down to their preparation and confidence. Formative assessments, such as class assignments, study review guides, direct teacher support, or even formal pretests in the testing environment, may all play into student success. Other factors, such as communication from the teacher and certification partners about the testing environment and best practices, can help prepare students to take the certification exam at home.

The Wisconsin Experience

Wisconsin educators responded fairly quickly to the COVID environment, especially given the unexpected timing. Despite a large initial drop in tests and pass rates, the number of tests rebounded significantly from April to May, bringing the end-of-year pass rate back up to 34%.

No. of tests/Pass rate for MOS and MTA certification exams

Prior two-year average

April-June 2020

2019 – 20 one-year average

>18,000/47%

>1,000/26%

>7,000/34%

 

As educators adopt new models of blended learning and distance learning, the number of tests and the pass rate are expected to rise.

Together with school leaders, Wisconsin CTE teachers will continue to evaluate the capacity to not only offer IRCs, but other quality career pathway components as well. These may include coursework, work-based learning, dual enrollment courses, and program-related student organizations that enhance student leadership and career preparation.

Support for CTE programs will continue to serve our communities by providing local college and career readiness experiences for families who face the new challenge of determining postsecondary education options and employment opportunities for in-demand occupations.

—Submitted by Dave Thomas, Business and Information Technology Education Consultant, Wisconsin FBLA Advisor, Career and Technical Education, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction