To create a more cohesive and consistent database, AACRAO EDGE is constantly improving various areas across the database. Our current projects are updating the formatting and information contained within each of our educational ladders and publishing new details on professional degrees. Historically, individual authors created educational ladders and designed/portrayed the information in the manner they chose, but, now, greater continuity is being imposed throughout the database to ensure it’s easier to recognize and comprehend the common academic pathways students take.
Reflected within each educational ladder is a collection of credentials which could be obtained when progressing through the educational system. Not all pathways have been reflected in this ladder; the most common pathways are shown, and more detailed information on alternative options can be found on the individual Credential entries. If an alternative pathway is known, it would be communicated on the individual Credential entry if not already shown on the educational ladder. Some ladders (India, Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, Nigeria) have already been posted within EDGE, and the next entries will include Colombia, Pakistan, Australia, and Afghanistan, to name a few.
Not all possible tracks are shown on the educational ladder -- these ladders will focus on Academic streams with less emphasis on Technical and Vocational routes (reflected as Yellow credentials in these ladders). In many systems, students have an opportunity to re-enter academic streams from Technical or Vocational paths, and we have highlighted such common pathways when present in the educational system. For the moment, AACRAO EDGE maintains a stronger focus on academic credentials than on other educational opportunities.
To improve the depth of information within EDGE, we are publishing research on the first professional degrees in the field of law around the world. In the past, not all profiles contained information on these professional credentials, but primary research, coupled with referencing specific redacted examples, gives us the opportunity to publish this information inside EDGE. Some nations’ systems of legal education have more than one first professional degree leading to legal practice, and these will be represented within the database. Other professional degrees will be reflected in future research.
Redacted documents associated with these various credentials are included where available for your reference. We learned from past conversations with EDGE users that being able to review redacted documents was incredibly useful for both seasoned and less-experienced professionals. If you have a verified and redacted copy of any credential listed within EDGE where we are missing an example, please reach out to us and include that copy by using the Contact Us button from that credential’s page within EDGE.
Each month, on the third Thursday, we gather to update users on the progress that has been made within the database during our EDGE User Group (sign up here). Results and information shared during the EDGE User Group will be reflected within AACRAO EDGE if not already posted -- bookmarking various countries/systems within the EDGE system ensures you are notified of any relevant edits since you last logged in. Some questions are posed directly by users and will trigger further research from the International Education Standards Council (IESC), but if you have questions about how to create specific policies at your institution or how to find information on a particular topic, posing your question in the International Activities Group will connect you directly with colleagues. Questions for the EDGE User Group should pertain to information within/lacking in EDGE, rather than individual situations.