Treffer: Examining Short-Term Credentials and Student Outcomes in Indiana. Research Report. RR-A3407-1

Indiana has been a leader in pursuing short-term credentialing initiatives to expand the education and training opportunities available to individuals through high schools, colleges, and other workforce training providers. To provide evidence on the short-term credentialing landscape in Indiana and potentially inform future decisions around policy and practice, the authors conducted a two-year research study that included analysis of statewide administrative data and interviews with key stakeholders. This evidence provides a first look at whether patterns of short-term credentialing align with the expectations and aims of state leaders investing in the initiatives. The authors start by providing some background on short-term credentials and the Indiana context. They then describe the approach to the study analysis. The quantitative findings focus on credit certificates and are divided into three subsections: (1) findings on which certificates are earned and by whom; (2) findings on stacking of certificates and degrees; and (3) earnings outcomes for individuals earning certificates. The authors then discuss the levers Indiana has used and can use to shape short-term credentials. They conclude with a summary of key takeaways for Indiana decisionmakers and some suggestions for how these findings might inform decision-making. [Funding for this report was provided by Ascend Indiana.]

ERIC