Launching the Student-Centered Learning Research Collaborative
Originally Posted on Competency Works, November 11, 2016 There is increasing evidence supporting the growth of student-centered learning (competency-based learning is one of the four elements) to promote success for all students and drive equity in education. Yet, work remains. How can we curate research-based best practices for implementation? How can we scale student-centered learning,… Read More ›
Can Personalized Learning Work in Rural America?
In this article, the author asserts that personalized learning can help resolve some of the unique challenges that rural schools and students in rural districts face. However, most of the initiatives to implement personalized learning, and the corresponding education research, have focused on urban settings. The article looks at how implementation in a rural setting is… Read More ›
Goodbye, Long Nights of Lesson Planning: The Secrets to Successful Virtual Co-Teaching
In this article two teachers from different states discuss how they are co-teaching virtually. After meeting at a summer professional development fellowship program, Justin Taylor and Zach Seagle decided they could decrease their workload and support each other by implementing similar core concepts and practices in their government and politics courses in Tennessee and Connecticut. Both… Read More ›
3 Tips For Introducing Competency-Based Learning Into K-12
This article shares three ways, based on feedback and interviews from teachers and researchers of competency-based learning (CBL), to introduce competency-based learning into a new environment. CBL refers to the notion of allowing learners to acquire credits based on goals they hit rather than the amount of time they spend in a chair, often referred to as… Read More ›
8 Tech Tips for Differentiating in an Inclusion Classroom
In this article, an educator who has worked for ten years with students with disabilities shares eight tips for differentiating in an inclusion classroom. The author gives examples from her experiences of how to better engage students with disabilities through access to technology in the classroom. Some of the tips include ‘use technology tools to close… Read More ›
Personalized Learning: How Kids are Getting into College by Mastering Their Skills
In this article, Brian Stack, a Principal from New Hampshire, explores parents’ fears that because colleges do not understand competency education, attendance at a high school implementing this student-centered approach could harm their child’s admissions chances. First, this principal provides a simple overview of competency education for families. Next, he describes competency education efforts at… Read More ›
3 Words to Bring Equity Into Science
This article urges science teachers to look beyond standards to develop engaging, culturally relevant curriculum. Rather than starting with the standards, the author suggests using “ethics”, “well-being”, and “community” as a lens to identify topics relevant to students’ lives. This article puts forward an approach science teachers can use individually or in teams to create… Read More ›
Catalyzing Mastery-Based Learning: NYC’s Mastery Collaborative
This article describes the Mastery Collaborative created by the New York City Department of Education. The Collaborative consists of 40 schools, eight of which are Living Lab schools. Living Lab schools share resources and tools with other members and are open for visitors to see what mastery-based education looks like and learn from fellow educators. The… Read More ›
What Happens to Maine Students Who Don’t Meet Proficiency Standards?
This article explores possible impacts of the new Maine state laws that require proficiency-based diplomas for graduation. It discusses the concern of some educators about students who may not be ready to demonstrate the needed proficiencies due to language barriers, behavioral issues, or because they were previously passed from grade to grade without demonstrating true… Read More ›
Career Academies and Small Learning Communities
This page of the CTE Research Clearinghouse, managed by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), focuses on career academies. Career academies bring together small groups of students and staff in a learning community focused on strong academics and a career-based theme. Educators interested in this topic will find lists of many resources including… Read More ›
Three Videos About The Future of Learning You’ll Want to Watch Now
So much has changed over the past hundred years. Technology has transformed the way we communicate and do business. We’ve made significant strides in medical research, disease treatment and quality of life. Yet, our education system, the system that is meant to prepare students for jobs in these fields, has remained largely the same. At… Read More ›
Desperately Seeking: Culturally Relevant Ideas and Innovation in Education
This article discusses Startup Weekend Education in Providence (SWeduPVD), a design event hosted by the Highlander Institute in collaboration with 4.0 schools. Weekend hackathon events have become a popular way for educators, designers, and others to come together to address issues in education. Teams work together to propose a startup organization or product to address… Read More ›