Prodigy Learning is delighted to announce that our ‘Coding in Minecraft’ credential program has been added to the 2023-24 Washington State-approved Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) list by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The state-approved IRC list is published annually by OSPI to ensure school districts and State Tribal Education Compact (STEC) schools can access workforce relevant certifications for their high school students. Certifications on the list are valued and endorsed by employers. They demonstrate industry skills and are recognized as a validated credential for workplace entry and advancement.

‘Coding in Minecraft’ is a computer science credential program transforming computer science education across the world. Appealing to a diverse student audience, student undertake learning activities and assessments in the highly immersive game of Minecraft Education.

In a recent case study video Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington, shared how the state-wide deployment is being used to build equity, increase educator skills, and engage students both urban and rural communities with the opportunity to engage in computer science:

‘When we give every student an equitable opportunity, regardless of race, gender, zip code, when they get the chance to show what they care deeply about, and they engage in learning, and they almost don’t even know how much they’re learning because they’re having a lot of fun with it. This is the chemistry of success for a very diverse group of students’ commented Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington.

State-wide availability of ‘Coding in Minecraft’ gives each student in every school in Washington State an equal opportunity to engage in computer science and achieve standards-aligned credentials and an industry recognised certification leading to employment opportunities.

“Our vision for ‘Coding in Minecraft’ is to break down the barriers for students and educators to increase uptake of computer science in schools,” said Andrew Flood, CEO of Prodigy Learning. “We are excited that Washington OSPI has chosen our ‘Coding in Minecraft’ certification to add to the 2023-2024 state-approved Industry Recognized Credentials list, offering all students the opportunity to gain industry-recognised computer science skills and increase their employability.”

Awarded Best Formative Assessment by the e-Assessment Association, ‘Coding in Minecraft’ gives educators from all backgrounds the confidence and tools to engage young and diverse learners in computer science and coding – even if they are not proficient in computer science or coding themselves.

‘Coding in Minecraft’ is available to all schools in the State of Washington through the State skills and information technology academy learning and certification program and includes free virtual professional development with 6 STEM PD hours. Washington educators can sign up at codingcredentials.com/wa.