Let's get familiar with the criteria for obtaining the Quality Label for badge recognition. This activity will give you insights into the essential requirements for qualifying for Quality Label.
Formal criteria to receive the Quality Label
How will the Formal criteria section be reviewed?
To ensure a smooth application process, the badge issuer will need to complete all fields in the ‘Formal criteria’ section. Completing this section will determine your eligibility for the Quality Label for Badge Recognition.
What happens if you haven’t met all the criteria yet?
If there's a specific reason why your organisation haven't met a particular criterion (e.g., missing verified Organiser status), you can briefly explain it in the appropriate field within the 'Formal Criteria' section. This will help in understanding your situation and offer relevant guidance.
Quality criteria to receive the Quality Label
Badge issuers willing to earn the Quality Label for Badge Recognition will need to demonstrate an organisation's competence in quality badge design and implementation in the following areas:
- Demonstrating competence in quality badge design and implementation;
- Showcasing the organisation’s good practices in quality badge issuing and implementation;
- Completing a specific, standardised Quality Label online training course;
- Providing a quality assurance and improvement plan for the next 3 years of badging activities within the organisation.
Detailed indicators for each criteria and what evidence should be provided by the applying Organiser are further specified in the application form.
The Quality Label will have a limited validity to ensure that quality is maintained and upheld through time. Organisers can renew it every three years through a shortened evaluation procedure. Otherwise, it will expire and be revoked.
Evaluation section for Quality Criteria
Evaluators will assess the information you provide against a set of key indicators. It's important to note that you may be asked for additional evidence to support your answers. Providing any requested evidence is mandatory.
Here’s what to expect for each question:
Criterion: Demonstrate competence in quality badge design and implementation
- Indicators and evidence: A set of key indicators will outline specific aspects of quality badge design and implementation. For each indicator, you'll be asked a yes/no/not sure/not applicable question. Answering "yes" requires providing evidence (links, examples) to support your claim.
- Passing score: To pass these sets of questions, you need to answer "yes" to at least 7 out of 10 indicators and provide supporting evidence for all your responses.
- Evaluation scale: Evaluators will use the scoring system (Building blocks established, Developing further, Solid foundation, Comprehensive and well-developed, Exceptional and insightful) to assess the quality of your evidence for each indicator.
Criterion: Showcase your organisation’s good practices in quality badge issuing and implementation
- Examples of well-designed badges that showcase the Quality criteria of badges.
- Implementation practices: Evaluators want to see evidence of established procedures for issuing badges consistently and fairly. This ensures all badge earners meet the same criteria before receiving the badge.
- Effective communication about Open Badges: Evidence of clear information about Open Badges.
- Feedback and improvement: Evidence that you are collecting feedback from badge earners and use it to refine and improve your badging programmes.
- Evidence of impact: valuable recognition and outcomes where you have learned from.
- Evaluation scale: Evaluators will use the scoring system (Building blocks established, Developing further, Solid foundation, Comprehensive and well-developed, Exceptional and insightful) to assess the quality of your evidence for each indicator.
Criterion: Demonstrate your team's expertise in quality badge recognition
- Minimum requirement: At least one member of your organisation must complete the Quality Label for Badge Recognition online learning playlist.
- Completing additional playlists (optional): While not mandatory, completing other relevant playlists offered through the Quality Label platform is encouraged (for example 'Creating quality Open Badges and badge systems' playlist). This demonstrates a broader commitment to professional development within your team.
- Evaluation scale: Evaluators will use the scoring system (Building blocks established, Developing further, Solid foundation, Comprehensive and well-developed, Exceptional and insightful) to assess the quality of your evidence.
Criterion: Badge recognition quality assurance and improvement plan
● Develop a concise strategic plan outlining your approach to maintaining and enhancing the quality of your badging activities over the next three years.
● Evaluation Scale: Evaluators will use the scoring system (Building blocks established, Developing further, Solid foundation, Comprehensive and well-developed, Exceptional and insightful) to assess the quality of your evidence.
Get your badge!
Go to the badge task and add your evidence of readiness to start the Quality Label process.
Cities of Learning Network created and manages this activity, facilitating the implementation of the Quality Label for badge recognition.