A Guide to the ISL Professional Competency Framework

Informal STEM Learning (ISL) organizations such as science centers, aquariums, and natural history museums play a vital role in stimulating public interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). That work is largely dependent on the competencies of the individuals who work within the ISL field. The ISL Professional Competency Framework is a robust and flexible tool for understanding and advancing the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of those individuals. This guide was developed to support the use of the online version of the framework.

The competencies described in the framework were identified through a national study with professionals across the country, working at different levels and in different functions in museums, science centers, zoos, and other educational settings. While each job and each institution is unique, the competencies in this framework cut across most functions. They are the competencies that define professionalism in the ISL field. This guide can be used to explore the purpose of the framework and potential applications in a range of settings. For example:

• Individuals might use the framework to assess current competencies, to consider areas to deepen or expand competencies, and to gather evidence about current competencies.
• Organizations or institutions might use the framework to develop a comprehensive professional development plan, to consider staffing plans, or to shape job positions.
• Academic programs might use the framework to review curriculum or support student learning, and their students might use it to consider courses or internships they want to pursue.