ARCS Framework Certifications and Endorsements


Certifications

Certification in the ARCS Framework can happen through two primary paths, which often coincide: certification as a Communities for Learning ARCS site and certification as a Communities for Learning ARCS facilitator. 

A site can demonstrate the internalization of the ARCS Framework by providing evidence of its attention to and use of the four components to provoke questions and actions that result in dynamic and ongoing improvement. This evidence includes documentation of the application of the framework components and resulting questions, decisions and actions, as well as the activities of internal, certified framework facilitators from various stakeholder groups, promoting the use of the Framework throughout all levels of the site.  With this evidence, the site can apply for and be certified as a Communities for Learning ARCS Site. 

An individual stakeholder can become certified as an ARCS Framework facilitator by completing a training curriculum comprised of workshops and practicum, and providing evidence of their ability to lead Framework-related activities and apply the Framework components in a variety of circumstances, real and simulated.  Successful completion of all course and fieldwork earns certification as a Framework Facilitator.

Finally, though all certified sites must have internal, certified ARCS Framework Facilitators, it is possible to become a certified ARCS Facilitator without belonging to a certified site.


Endorsements

While certification requires evidence of the use of all four components of the Framework, it is also possible for sites to receive endorsements for exemplary use of particular Framework components. 

A site that focuses on changing their Culture by attending to developing the Dispositions of Practice would show evidence of the dispositions woven into organization wide communications and policies that promote and support the development of the dispositions in administrators, teachers, staff and students.  It might also have curriculum units that support the development of the dispositions in students, or explicitly teach the dispositions in a classroom setting.  Students and adults in this site might be using dispositions to self-assess, set and monitor goals.  In this case, the site could apply for ARCS Culture endorsement. 

Similarly, an individual might focus on using a particular ARCS component in their learning and work – and they could apply for ARCS endorsement of a product that they create or a process that they develop that supports and deepens this component.