Guide to Micro-Credentials
PROJECT MOMENTUM MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Classroom Accommodations for Multilingual Learners
The Classroom Accommodations for Multilingual Learners micro-credential pathway equips educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively support multilingual learners in diverse classroom settings. Through five comprehensive courses, participants will explore key topics such as understanding Minnesota’s multilingual learner population, interpreting WIDA proficiency levels, scaffolding content lessons, supporting academic language development, and designing equitable assessment accommodations.
Each course culminates in a practical, application-based task that encourages educators to adapt their teaching practices to better meet the needs of multilingual learners. To earn this micro-credential, educators will compile a portfolio of artifacts demonstrating their ability to create inclusive, asset-focused learning environments that empower multilingual learners to succeed academically and linguistically.
Required Courses
-
This course offers a comprehensive overview of Minnesota’s multilingual learner population. Participants will define key terms related to multilingual students and the programs that support them, explore demographic trends within Minnesota’s multilingual learner community, and gain insights into the essential components and types of multilingual learner programming. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of the multilingual landscape in Minnesota and the educational strategies designed to serve this diverse group.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioOption 1: Asset-Focused Student Profile
Create detailed profiles highlighting the strengths and assets of multilingual learners.Option 2: Presentation on Multilingual Learners
Develop an interactive presentation to educate staff on key topics related to multilingual learners.Option 3: Action Plan
Develop a detailed action plan for implementing new learning about multilingual learners.Option 4: Fact Sheet
Create a concise and informative fact sheet about multilingual learners for distribution to staff or parents
-
Proficiency levels are used to inform educators about what English learners are able to process and produce in the English language at a given point in time. This course will introduce you to WIDA tools and resources for interpreting WIDA English language proficiency levels. You will explore instructional strategies that support a range of English language development.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioDifferentiated Language Expectations
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations for each WIDA language proficiency level.
-
This course highlights the importance of instruction that is both accessible and engaging for students across a range of English language development and from diverse backgrounds. In order to provide access to grade-level content and instruction, teachers must ensure that students are able to understand what is being presented in the classroom, as well as fully participate in classroom activities. To promote language and content development, instruction must not only be comprehensible to students, but also engaging and relevant. This course will provide examples of ways to increase comprehensibility and engagement for multilingual learners.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioPlanning Scaffolded Instruction
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations and scaffolds for each level of language proficiency.
-
This course addresses the unique challenges and opportunities multilingual learners face in content classrooms. You will learn to identify the language demands of grade-level materials and design instruction that integrates various language domains, providing a supportive environment for all learners to hear and use academic language in authentic and engaging contexts.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLesson Plan
Develop a lesson plan that fosters the development of communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing for academic purposes.
-
In this course, you will develop an understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in assessing multilingual learners. Through a comprehensive exploration of various assessment methods, including standardized tests, district-level assessments, and classroom-based assessments, you will learn to differentiate between language ability and content knowledge during assessment. You will explore strategies for differentiating assessments to meet diverse linguistic and learning needs, incorporating elements such as student voice and choice, collaboration, and multimodal opportunities.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioAssessment Critical Analysis
Analyze an existing classroom-level summative assessment and propose recommendations for alternatives or accommodations to better serve multilingual learners at different proficiency levels.
Tips for Success:
Self-assess your artifacts according to the rubrics provided in the courses. Ensure your artifacts meet the standards assessed before submitting.
Request a coaching session with the course instructor if needed.
Already submitted a micro-credential pathway? Request a micro-credential here!
PROJECT MOMENTUM MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families
The Engaging Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Families micro-credential pathway empowers educators and school leaders to build meaningful partnerships with multilingual families and communities. Through five courses, participants will explore topics such as understanding Minnesota’s multilingual learner population, fostering culturally responsive communication, ensuring language access, and creating inclusive policies that honor linguistic and cultural diversity.
Each course culminates in a practical, application-based task to apply learning. To earn this micro-credential, educators will compile a portfolio of artifacts demonstrating their ability to create equitable, inclusive, and collaborative environments that support the success of multilingual learners and their families.
Required Courses
-
This course offers a comprehensive overview of Minnesota’s multilingual learner population. Participants will define key terms related to multilingual students and the programs that support them, explore demographic trends within Minnesota’s multilingual learner community, and gain insights into the essential components and types of multilingual learner programming. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of the multilingual landscape in Minnesota and the educational strategies designed to serve this diverse group.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioOption 1: Asset-Focused Student Profile
Create detailed profiles highlighting the strengths and assets of multilingual learners.Option 2: Presentation on Multilingual Learners
Develop an interactive presentation to educate staff on key topics related to multilingual learners.Option 3: Action Plan
Develop a detailed action plan for implementing new learning about multilingual learners.Option 4: Fact Sheet
Create a concise and informative fact sheet about multilingual learners for distribution to staff or parents
-
This course explores the impact of social and cultural factors on classroom communication. You will analyze how these factors influence interactions, reflect on how your own cultural beliefs shape your expectations, and discover practices and strategies for fostering culturally responsive communication in educational settings.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioSchool-Community Partnership Proposal
Envision a potential school-community partnership aimed at enhancing student and/or family engagement for multilingual learners and create a proposal to identify the objective and desired outcome(s), stakeholder roles, potential barriers and solutions, resources needed, and an evaluation plan. -
This course provides a comprehensive overview of schools' legal obligations regarding meaningful communication with multilingual families. Participants will explore various tools and resources for providing language access and will develop a customized language access plan for their classroom or school.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLanguage Access Plan
Use what you know about language access to develop a context-specific Language Access Plan for your school or classroom.
-
This course explores the impact of social and cultural factors on classroom communication. You will analyze how these factors influence interactions, reflect on how your own cultural beliefs shape your expectations, and discover practices and strategies for fostering culturally responsive communication in educational settings.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioOption 1: Culturally Responsive School Checklist and Goal Setting
Use the checklist and goal-setting template provided to assess your school's current practices against the guiding principles of culturally responsive teaching covered in this course.Option 2: Culturally Responsive Unit Planning Template
Complete a template to plan an instructional unit that incorporates culturally responsive teaching strategies.
-
This course examines how sociocultural factors shape learning experiences and highlights the diverse strengths multilingual learners bring to the classroom. You will explore the interplay between linguistic resources and power dynamics, and learn to identify values and practices that promote linguistic and cultural pluralism. Additionally, the course addresses ways institutions can support and reflect these inclusive values.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLocal Language Policy
Draft a school or classroom language policy that supports cultural and linguistic pluralism
Tips for Success:
Self-assess your artifacts according to the rubrics provided in the courses. Ensure your artifacts meet the standards assessed before submitting.
Request a coaching session with the course instructor if needed.
Already submitted a micro-credential pathway? Request a micro-credential here!
PROJECT MOMENTUM MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Integrating Language & Content Instruction
The Integrating Language & Content Instruction micro-credential pathway equips educators with the tools and strategies to seamlessly blend language development with content-area teaching. Through five courses, participants will learn to interpret WIDA proficiency levels, scaffold content lessons, support academic language development, and align instruction with the WIDA ELD Standards Framework. Each course culminates in a practical, application-based task to apply learning.
To earn this micro-credential, educators will compile a portfolio of artifacts demonstrating their ability to deliver instruction that simultaneously advances multilingual learners’ content knowledge and language skills, ensuring equitable access to rigorous academic learning.
Required Courses
-
This course offers a comprehensive overview of Minnesota’s multilingual learner population. Participants will define key terms related to multilingual students and the programs that support them, explore demographic trends within Minnesota’s multilingual learner community, and gain insights into the essential components and types of multilingual learner programming. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of the multilingual landscape in Minnesota and the educational strategies designed to serve this diverse group.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioDifferentiated Language Expectations
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations for each WIDA language proficiency level. -
This course highlights the importance of instruction that is both accessible and engaging for students across a range of English language development and from diverse backgrounds. In order to provide access to grade-level content and instruction, teachers must ensure that students are able to understand what is being presented in the classroom, as well as fully participate in classroom activities. To promote language and content development, instruction must not only be comprehensible to students, but also engaging and relevant. This course will provide examples of ways to increase comprehensibility and engagement for multilingual learners.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioPlanning Scaffolded Instruction
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations and scaffolds for each level of language proficiency.
-
This course addresses the unique challenges and opportunities multilingual learners face in content classrooms. You will learn to identify the language demands of grade-level materials and design instruction that integrates various language domains, providing a supportive environment for all learners to hear and use academic language in authentic and engaging contexts.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLesson Plan
Develop a lesson plan that fosters the development of communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing for academic purposes.
-
The WIDA ELD standards emphasize language development in five areas: social and instructional contexts, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Adoption of these standards requires that all teachers integrate language and content instruction to facilitate students’ success. The purpose of this course is to guide educators in applying the WIDA ELD Standards Framework to content-area instruction through a collaborative planning process. This process will help you ensure a consistent focus on language across a unit of study. Disclaimer: This course has not been created, reviewed, or endorsed by WIDA.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioUnit Plan
Develop a content-area unit plan aligned to the WIDA ELD Standards Framework including scaffolds related to the unit's content.
-
In this course, educators will develop their ability to meet the language needs of multilingual learners in content-area instruction by scaffolding daily lessons. You will explore high-quality examples of teaching techniques that support the development of both language skills and content knowledge, practice writing content and language objectives aligned to standards, and explore multiple examples demonstrating various approaches to attending to language in daily lesson planning.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLesson Plan
Develop a lesson plan with clear content objectives aligned with grade-level standards. Design instructional activities and assessments that support the objectives.
Tips for Success:
Self-assess your artifacts according to the rubrics provided in the courses. Ensure your artifacts meet the standards assessed before submitting.
Request a coaching session with the course instructor if needed.
Already submitted a micro-credential pathway? Request a micro-credential here!
PROJECT MOMENTUM MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Applying the WIDA ELD Standards Framework
The Applying the WIDA ELD Standards Framework micro-credential pathway prepares educators to effectively integrate the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards into their teaching practices. Through five courses, participants will learn to interpret WIDA proficiency levels, scaffold content lessons, collaborate through co-teaching models, and use WIDA tools to assess and support language development.
Each course culminates in a practical, application-based task to apply learning. To earn this micro-credential, educators will compile a portfolio of artifacts demonstrating their ability to design instruction that aligns with WIDA’s framework, ensuring multilingual learners receive targeted support to thrive academically and linguistically.
Required Courses
-
Proficiency levels are used to inform educators about what English learners are able to process and produce in the English language at a given point in time. This course will introduce you to WIDA tools and resources for interpreting WIDA English language proficiency levels. You will explore instructional strategies that support a range of English language development.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioDifferentiated Language Expectations
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations for each WIDA language proficiency level.
-
The WIDA ELD standards emphasize language development in five areas: social and instructional contexts, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Adoption of these standards requires that all teachers integrate language and content instruction to facilitate students’ success. The purpose of this course is to guide educators in applying the WIDA ELD Standards Framework to content-area instruction through a collaborative planning process. This process will help you ensure a consistent focus on language across a unit of study. Disclaimer: This course has not been created, reviewed, or endorsed by WIDA.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioUnit Plan
Develop a content-area unit plan aligned to the WIDA ELD Standards Framework including scaffolds related to the unit's content.
-
This course highlights the importance of instruction that is both accessible and engaging for students across a range of English language development and from diverse backgrounds. In order to provide access to grade-level content and instruction, teachers must ensure that students are able to understand what is being presented in the classroom, as well as fully participate in classroom activities. To promote language and content development, instruction must not only be comprehensible to students, but also engaging and relevant. This course will provide examples of ways to increase comprehensibility and engagement for multilingual learners.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioPlanning Scaffolded Instruction
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations and scaffolds for each level of language proficiency.
-
In this course, educators will engage with activities and resources to build the knowledge and skills necessary to foster effective collaboration among colleagues. Participants will explore collaboration as an interdisciplinary approach, detailing the cyclical process of co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing, and co-reflecting.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioExpanding Collaborative Practices
Consider a list of collaborative practices and complete a notetaking tool to consider your own opportunities for implementation.
-
WIDA assessments play a significant role in evaluating English language proficiency among multilingual learners in K-12 education. In this course, you will learn to interpret WIDA English Language Proficiency scores to inform instruction and support for multilingual learners through various proficiency level descriptor resources published by WIDA. Furthermore, you will practice using WIDA’s speaking and writing interpretive rubrics as a classroom-based assessment instrument for assessing productive language.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioOption 1: Student File
Create a student file that uses proficiency level descriptor resources to interpret proficiency level scores.Option 2: Language Sample Assessment
Use WIDA's speaking and writing interpretive rubrics to assess language samples.Option 3: Language Development Portfolio
Create a portfolio assessment to track a student's language development over time.
Tips for Success:
Self-assess your artifacts according to the rubrics provided in the courses. Ensure your artifacts meet the standards assessed before submitting.
Request a coaching session with the course instructor if needed.
Already submitted a micro-credential pathway? Request a micro-credential here!
PROJECT MOMENTUM MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Literacy for Multilingual Learners
The Literacy for Multilingual Learners micro-credential pathway equips educators with evidence-based strategies to support the literacy development of multilingual learners at all stages of their educational journey. Through five courses, participants will explore topics such as the science of reading, multilingual development, WIDA proficiency levels, and the unique needs of recently arrived and long-term English learners.
Each course culminates in a practical, application-based task to apply learning. To earn this micro-credential, educators will compile a portfolio of artifacts demonstrating their ability to implement culturally responsive, research-backed literacy practices that empower multilingual learners to succeed as readers, writers, and communicators.
Required Courses
-
This course supports educators in interpreting Minnesota’s READ Act in relation to multilingual learners and implementing culturally responsive literacy instruction. It provides a high-level overview of the implications of the science of reading movement and research-based, critical elements of literacy instruction for multilingual learners. This short course is a good fit to contextualize the MN READ Act and SoR with research on multilingual development.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioCurriculum Critical Review
Select a published reading series or English Language Arts curriculum and analyze it for inclusion of multilingual learners, drawing from the National Committee for Effective Literacy’s publications on early literacy for multilingual learners.
-
In this course, you will explore scientific explanations behind how languages are acquired. You will learn about the processes involved in language learning, including developmental sequences and common over-generalizations. You will investigate the various factors that impact multilingual development and second language acquisition, such as age of onset, affective factors, context, and input. Additionally, you will compare and contrast the cognitive and linguistic profiles of monolinguals and bilinguals, discovering the unique advantages of multilingualism. This course is perfect for educators and language enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of language learning.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioSchool Scenarios
Apply knowledge of English and multilingual development to respond to real-world questions and situations.
-
Proficiency levels are used to inform educators about what English learners are able to process and produce in the English language at a given point in time. This course will introduce you to WIDA tools and resources for interpreting WIDA English language proficiency levels. You will explore instructional strategies that support a range of English language development.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioDifferentiated Language Expectations
Adapt an existing grade-level task with language expectations for each WIDA language proficiency level.
-
In this course, you will explore the unique literacy needs of students who are newcomers. These students can include students with highly developed, age-appropriate literacy in their home language(s), as well as students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE). This course will introduce you to scenarios and tools to address the unique strengths and needs of students who are new to the U.S. school system.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLesson Plan
Develop a lesson plan that addresses the implications of language and literacy development for RAELs/SLIFE.
One of:
Secondary focus:
-
In this course, you will explore the unique literacy needs of students who are experienced multilingual learners, meaning they have been administratively identified as English learners for more than five years. These students are sometimes referred to as Long Term English Learners (LTEL). This course will introduce you to scenarios and tools to address the particular strengths and needs of these learners.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioLesson Plan
Develop a lesson plan that addresses the implications of language and literacy development for LTELs.
Elementary focus:
-
Designed for educators of multilingual learners, this course provides practical strategies for teaching students to write across various genres, including personal narratives, information reports, and arguments. You’ll also be introduced to the Teaching and Learning Cycle as a framework for implementing genre-based pedagogy. Through this course, you'll learn to analyze and teach the specific language features of each genre, equipping your students with the tools they need to become confident, versatile writers.
Culminating Task
*To be submitted in your micro-credential portfolioGenre-Based Pedagogy Implementation Plan
Complete an implementation plan template with details on how you will apply genre-based pedagogy in your classroom context.
Tips for Success:
Self-assess your artifacts according to the rubrics provided in the courses. Ensure your artifacts meet the standards assessed before submitting.
Request a coaching session with the course instructor if needed.
Already submitted a micro-credential pathway? Request a micro-credential here!
Multilingual Learner Leadership Micro-Credential
Designed to equip district and school leaders with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to foster equitable, linguistically and culturally sustaining schools.
Designed for current and aspiring school and district leaders, this six-week micro-credential equips administrators (e.g., directors, principals) and English learner (EL) program coordinators with the knowledge and tools to support multilingual learners in their schools. Participants accepted into a cohort will complete six self-paced online modules, engaging in 2-3 hours of learning per week, including asynchronous discussions. Throughout the course, they will develop a context-specific handbook with resources, procedures, and goals to enhance multilingual learner success in their schools.
-
Introductory Module
Welcome
Course Information
Course Resources
Module 1: Essentials of Multilingual Learner Education (2 hours)
Key Terms, Legal Frameworks, and Responsibilities
Identification and Placement of Multilingual Learners
Diversity Among Multilingual Learners
Overview of Multilingual Learner Programs and Services
WIDA Framework and Language Development Standards
The Role of Administrators in Multilingual Learner Education
Module 2: Leading Instructional Programs for Multilingual Learners (3 hours)
Multilingualism as an Asset
Collaboration Across School Teams
Coaching and Supporting Teachers of Multilingual Learners
Using EL Data for Instructional Decision-Making
Including Multilingual Learners in the MTSS Framework
Module 3: Selecting, Staffing, and Supporting Multilingual Learner Programs (3 hours)
Types of Multilingual Learner Programs
Selecting the Right Program for Your School
Appropriate Staffing for Multilingual Learner Programs
Curriculum and Instructional Considerations
Scheduling Considerations
Funding and Budgeting for Multilingual Learner Programs
Module 4: Creating Culturally Sustaining School Communities (3 hours)
Ensuring Language Access for Students and Families
Creating Inclusive School Policies and Practices
Building Strong Family-School Partnerships
Leveraging Community Assets
Professional Learning for Culturally Sustaining Practices
Bilingual Seals and Recognizing Multilingualism
Module 5: Ensuring Equity in Education for Multilingual Learners (2 hours)
Supporting Special Populations of Multilingual Learners
Graduation pathways for Multilingual Learners
Serving Students Who Opt Out of EL Programs
Building a Shared Understanding: Individual Language Plans and Student Profiles
Module 6: Bridging Data and Research to Improve Systems for Multilingual Learners (2 hours)
Using Research to Inform Policy and Practice in Multilingual Learner Education
Creating a Vision for Multilingual Learner Success
Interpreting School and District-Level Data on Multilingual Learners
Evaluating and Improving Multilingual Learner Programs
Understanding Advocacy: Defining Your Role as a Leader
Explore detailed course objectives, lessons, discussion topics, and action items, as well as alignment with BOSA standards here.
-
Participants will earn a digital badge representing their completion of the Multilingual Learner Leadership Micro-Credential. This program aligns with the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA) standards and is BOSA-approved for 15 hours of continuing education hours. Under MN Rule 3512.1200, all licensed administrators in Minnesota must accumulate 125 clock hours of continuing education within five years for license renewal.
-
This program cost is anticipated to be fully covered for candidates accepted into the program by available grant funds through 2027. The Southeast Service Cooperative intends to pursue additional grants and district contributions to continue providing low or no cost options for candidates beyond 2027. Program costs will be updated on an annual basis and communicated to prospective candidates through eligibility and enrollment materials. We also welcome inquiries about district partnerships to expand access to more administrators. Limited spots available. Contact us to learn more or to be added to our interest list for future application openings!
-
Applications for the Summer 2025 Cohort are now closed. Applicants will be notified of their selection status on May 15, 2025.