The state’s efforts to create credential transparency began with a series of questions about the outcomes of North Dakota’s education and workforce training systems:
- Are students being prepared for success in postsecondary education and the workforce?
- Do postsecondary graduates find employment in North Dakota?
- Are the state’s employers finding a well trained workforce within the state for current and emerging jobs?
The answers are critical to North Dakota’s economic success, since the changing nature of work has placed an even greater emphasis on the education, skills, and training of people in the state. So the state’s university system and SLDS joined forces, and in collaboration with Credential Engine, are looking to augment data already in the SLDS — including outcomes of the state’s education and workforce training programs.
The partners’ goals include building a comprehensive learner record; better articulating how transfers operate between universities, colleges and training agencies; and describing pathways to in-demand jobs.
“This pilot enables us to explore our capacity for greater efficiency and improved consistency while helping students navigate the myriad of educational pathways available to them.” –Lisa Johnson, Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Affairs, North Dakota University System