Badges: They Aren’t Just for Scouts Anymore!

Employers seeking new solutionsSpend $126 billion on T&D or $1,200 per employeeAnother $20 billion on tuition reimbursementYet, employers report dissatisfaction

Only 7% believe higher education does “excellent” job in preparing students for the workplace

84% say “underprepared” for the workplace

Students influenced by “gaming” industry

Push toward competency-based education

Our Badge Journey

Every workplace role is, at the simplest level, a collection of competencies.

Every role has a unique competency combination. Every role requires different levels of competence.

What are Competencies?

Focus is on what’s needed to be successful in that role.

How are Competencies Used in Workplace?

Not every role needs every competency;

Different roles may require differing levels of proficiency within a particular competency;

Performance indicators suggest behaviors for each level; and

Competence can be mapped against a employee pipeline.

Competency Levels of Mastery

Pipeline Equivalent

Proficiency Level

Description of Competency Proficiency

Strategic Leader

4Master/Guru

Demonstrates mastery of competency and is capable of mentoring & coaching others in its application.

Functional Manager

3Exceptional/Expert

Demonstrates expert application of competency and is capable of coaching others in its application.

First Level Supervisor

2Accomplished Practitioner

Demonstrates advanced competence and is capable of modeling this competency for others.

Individual Contributor

1Basic/Elementary

Possesses the fundamental knowledge, skills, and motivations needed for this competency, can consistently apply this competency.

0Inadequate

Falls short of the knowledge, skills, and motivations needed in this competency for role. Development is needed to reach required standard.

41 Key Competencies Includes expandable competencies like Functional/Technical Expertise,

Organization Knowledge, Industry Knowledge, Technology Savvy

7 Categories Communication Conceptual Contextual Interpersonal Leadership Management Personal

Polaris Competency Model

E-Credential Badges

Like with employer, customize programs by picking and choosing category, competency, and level of masteryData-drivenScience & art

Badging Ecosystem Enables Customization

Don’t have to be degree seekers

Purchase one module and earn a badge

Infrastructure to reinforce additional module purchases and to increase badges acquired

Currently offer 164 different badges with more being added every day

Badge value (in terms of credit) varies

Badging Ecosystem Empowers Learners

Dual transcript

Electronic access

Embed into various social media platforms

Competency Report

with Badges

Direct Service Worker (DSW)Badge Customization Example #1

Direct Service Worker (DSW)Badge Customization Example #1

Direct Service Worker (DSW)Badge Customization Example #2

Direct Service Worker (DSW)Badge Customization Example #2

QUESTIONS?Dr. Charla Long, Deancharla.long@lipscomb.edu615/966-2501