2020 Aurora Institute Symposium

Positioning Competency-Based Education as an Equity Strategy: Theory, Practice, and Evidence to Push the Field Session Learning Outcomes: Be able to describe how CBE can be a de-tracking/equity strategy, based on research, theory, and implementation stories from KnowledgeWorks partnerships. Leave with a greater understanding of the indicators that may be used to capture whether and… Read More ›

“A New Era of Learning: Futures Thinking for Education Programs”

Connect 2020

Prince’s session invites us to imagine new kinds of education structures, practices, roles, and programs that support the healthy development of young people, effective lifelong learning, and community vitality. Even as we navigate near-term disruption, five drivers of change are shaping what is possible for the future of learning. Explore how educators can keep their eyes… Read More ›

Tools for Scaling Best Practices: Windows, Bridges and Roadmaps

Our last two articles (here and here) explored the scaling of Work-Study Practices (WSPs, a.k.a., deeper learning competencies) in New Hampshire, the growth of this education innovation in the state and the role of a statewide, nonprofit intermediary, the New Hampshire Learning Initiative (NHLI) as a scaling agent. There is another driver of scale observed… Read More ›

Transitioning and Sustaining Competency-Based Education During School Closures

This article looks at the remote learning experience of South Bronx Community Charter High School (SBC), a school launched in 2016 with a strong competency education approach. A mastery-based approach positioned them to make a smoother transition to remote learning. The article discusses several strategies they continued to rely on strong relationships with advisors and… Read More ›

Learning Revolution/Reinventing Schools Weekly Series

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This is a hub for daily online presentations, conferences, and events for educators. A set of time-zone-based calendars list all available sessions as they are scheduled on a rolling basis. The sessions will also be recorded and available to watch for free. The call for proposals is continually open. Presentation acceptances will be made on… Read More ›

Three Ways to Scale Student-Centered Reforms in Your System

Since 2014, New Hampshire educators can meet academic accountability requirements through a statewide Performance Assessment for Competency-based Education (PACE) system. Aimed at capturing a more authentic assessment of content knowledge, educators have developed and scored performance tasks with levels of reliability and validity comparable to state level standardized tests. As part of a William and… Read More ›

Exploring How Educators and Staff Center Students’ Identities and Cultures

Join the NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools for an exciting and important conversation about identity, culture, and centering students in culturally responsive and mastery-based schools on June 17th, 3 PM EST. Researchers will introduce the Culturally Responsive Mastery-based Education (CR-MBE) project and share early insights on the ways administrators,… Read More ›

An Introduction to K-12 Competency-Based Education

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On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET, the Aurora Institute will host a webinar to introduce participants to competency-based education. Competency-based education transforms the culture, structure, and pedagogy of schools and districts to ensure that all students develop the skills they will need for success in college, career, and life.… Read More ›

NHLI Voices from the Field with Jonathan Vander Els

The New Hampshire Learning Initiative Voices From The Field Podcast with Jonathan Vander Els captures stories from students, teachers, principals, superintendents and national level influencers. In this series, they share their stories of vulnerability, connection, and the ways in which they have tried to provide guidance and support for their learners during the pandemic. We… Read More ›

Formative Assessment in Distance Learning

Formative assessment at a distance is challenging but possible. This article discusses how to check for understanding and provide meaningful feedback to students working remotely. The author offers specific tips such as the importance of collecting data over time, providing feedback, and leveraging relationships. This article can be useful to teachers of any subject and… Read More ›

Del Lago Academy Series

This is a four-part series of articles featuring Del Lago Academy Campus of Applied Science, which was created by community members and staff in Escondido, California to offer a more student-centered learning option to the district’s high school students. The school focuses on competency-based practices, personalization, and authentic interdisciplinary learning projects. Articles in the series… Read More ›