LERs as a Process
LERs represent a paradigm shift, enabling individuals to own, manage, and share their learning and employment data across educational institutions, employers, and workforce systems. However, realizing the full potential of LERs requires a principled approach that prioritizes the needs of learners while ensuring technical and ethical integrity. A key part of this approach must also recognize LERs as a process—not just as a single product of static credential, but rather as part of a continuum of credentialing advancements—ranging from paper transcripts to digital records to machine-readable verifiable credentials. Institutions may find themselves at different points on this continuum, and the LER Accelerator provides the guidance, tools, and community to help them advance with integrity and purpose
A Principled Approach to LER Adoption
The coalition’s nine guiding Principles of LER Adoption offer a unified framework to support institutions in developing collaborative, equitable, secure, and interoperable credentialing systems. These principles reflect a shared commitment to empower individuals to securely manage and share their achievements throughout their careers.
Putting our principles into action, 25 trailblazing projects will lead the charge in building secure, interoperable, and learner-centered credentialing systems. Learn more about the LER Accelerator Cohort.
LER Accelerator Coalition
There is a key set of post-secondary campus stakeholders who are responsible for implementing an LER at an institution. They are practitioners, and as a result, they hold the key to moving the needle on PSE adoption of LER. No single organization has the resources to accelerate the pace of post-secondary LER, however a coordinated collaboration among these stakeholders is the only way to move the LER needle in higher education.
The LER Accelerator is supported by StrategyForward Advisors.
LER Accelerator Resources
The LER Accelerator is partnering with the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library to consolidate and curate a shared comprehensive LER resource hub to help institutions navigate the complex landscape of credentials and skills. Explore our shared principles, white papers, frameworks, guidance and beyond.
LER Accelerator Inventory
Comprehensive Resource Hub
Centering Integrity in LER Adoption & Implementation
Coalition Resource
Common Terms and Definitions
Coalition Resource
Unlocking Potential: Conveying Skills and Competencies Through LERs
White Paper
Principles of Learning and Employment Records (LER) Adoption
Coalition Statement
Blog Series
LER Ecosystem: Accelerating the Full Potential of Digital Credentials
Exploring Use Cases for Digital Credentials
Building a Campus Coalition for LER Success
Understanding the LER Continuum
- Use Case 1 – Non-Credit and CTE Programs as Launch Pads for Boundless Credential Pathways
- Use Case 2 – Integrating Digital Credentials into For-Credit Academic Programs
- Use Case 3 – Workforce and Professional Training as Engines for Career-Connected Credentialing
- Use Case 4 – Open Recognition as a Pathway to Visibility and Opportunity
- Use Case 5 – Credit for Prior Learning as a Catalyst for Access and Completion
- Use Case 6 – Digitizing Existing Credentials to Modernize the Learner Record
Credential Chats
Announcements
- LER Accelerator Announces Inaugural Cohort of 25 Projects to Advance Learner-Centered, Interoperable Digital Credentialing
- Higher Education Leaders Align on Guiding Principles for Learning and Employment Records
- LER Accelerator and Learn & Work Ecosystem Library Announce Partnership to Develop Comprehensive LER Resource Collection
- National Coalition Launched to Accelerate Adoption of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) in Post-Secondary Education
Additional Resources
Get Involved with Innovative Credentials
The AACRAO Exchange Innovative Credentials Community connects higher education professionals to learn from each other, share insights and best practices, and support the development and implementation of innovative credentials.
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