Current law requires the department of higher education (department) and other higher education institutions to develop a framework for evaluating the quality of nondegree credentials. The bill formally recognizes the resulting quality and in-demand nondegree credentials framework (quality nondegree credentials framework) as the primary tool for assessing the quality of nondegree credentials offered in the state.
The bill requires the department to collaborate with various
agencies to ensure the effective integration of the quality nondegree credentials framework within the state's education and workforce systems and to evaluate nondegree credentials offered through state-recognized programs to ensure the credentials meet the framework's quality standards. At least annually, the department shall supply a list of nondegree credential programs that meet the framework's quality standards for inclusion in the Colorado talent report and a credential registry endorsed by the state.
The department shall engage state agencies, educational
institutions, international organizations, and other stakeholders to study and make recommendations about the adoption of the international standard classification of education (ISCED) as the state's standard framework for classifying nondegree credentials and ISCED's wider application in the state's education and workforce systems. The recommendations must include a process for assigning ISCED equivalency levels to nondegree credentials included in stackable credential pathways and apprenticeship programs. The bill requires the department to report its findings and recommendations on or before January 1, 2025.
Current law requires the department to create stackable credential
pathways in growing industries. The bill requires the department to align the stackable credential pathways with appropriate ISCED equivalency levels on or before January 1, 2025.
The bill requires the office of future of work to coordinate with
various agencies to determine ISCED equivalency levels for each apprenticeship program registered on and after January 1, 2025. The office of future of work shall then determine ISCED equivalency levels for each apprenticeship program registered before January 1, 2025.
