STEM in Afterschool and Summer Learning: Issue Brief
This issue brief explores the role of after school and summer programs in building skills and interest in STEM fields. While practices that support STEM skills during the school day are critical, students traditionally spend only 20% of their waking hours in school. Afterschool and summer programs can offer hands-on experiences, expose students to STEM… Read More ›
Advancing Competency-Based Pathways to College and Career Readiness
This state policy framework, focused on graduation requirements, assessment, and accountability, is designed to assist states in building a policy structure that contributes to statewide adoption and implementation of competency-based pathways (CBP) that support all students in reaching college and career readiness, as defined by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). CBP can help all… Read More ›
Performance Assessments: How State Policy Can Advance Assessments for 21st Century Learning
This report is intended to familiarize state boards of education with performance assessments and help state board members and other policymakers address some of the thorniest issues around these assessments: purpose, sustainability, reliability, accountability, policy alignment, equity, professional practice, and implementation. The report ends with a set of discussion questions so that each state can… Read More ›
Accountability for College and Career Readiness Developing a New Paradigm
This report—due to preparation for new standards under the Common Core and states moving toward creating more aligned systems of assessment and accountability—recommends an accountability approach that focuses on meaningful learning, enabled by professionally skilled and committed educators, and supported by adequate and appropriate resources, so that all students regardless of background are prepared for… Read More ›
Measuring What Really Matters
This article proposes the improvement of state accountability systems through the use of performance assessments. They conclude that unlike multiple choice tests, performance assessments can thoroughly asses the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards which require demonstration of more complex thinking and reasoning skills. The authors also explore the technical quality, practical,… Read More ›
Making Mastery Work: A Close-Up View of Competency Education
This report focuses on the experiences of students, teachers, and administrators in a select, but varied group of schools that are ahead of the curve in implementing competency education. A team of researchers spent a year and a half examining 11 high schools in New England. The report is organized in sections that provide both… Read More ›
Supporting Students: Investing in Innovation and Quality
This report describes the approach of the College Ready group at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It outlines five key design principles necessary for successful academic student supports. These include mastery with clear progress trajectories, feedback which occurs immediately, subject immersion using the real-world language and tools of the studied discipline, multiple experiences to learn and apply… Read More ›
Necessary for Success: Building Mastery of World-Class Skills – A State Policymakers Guide to Competency Education
This report by Susan Patrick and Chris Sturgis describes competency-based systems and reforms in districts and schools from Maine to Florida, and makes suggestions for education leaders around changing policy, fostering progressive public discourse, and supporting teachers. Source Organization: Nellie Mae Education Foundation Visit the Resource
An International Study in Competency Education: Postcards from Abroad
This report by Susan Patrick and Sara Frank Bristow highlights components of competency education in international practice, to inform U.S. policymakers and decision makers seeking to implement high-quality competency pathways at the state or local level. The report includes a brief lesson in the international vocabulary of competency education and explores practices in Finland, British Columbia… Read More ›
A K-12 Federal Policy Framework for Competency Education: Building Capacity for Systems Change
This report provides federal policymakers with a comprehensive vision for supporting state and local efforts to implement student-centered learning. The authors describe barriers and opportunities within federal education policy education policy frameworks, and identifies how the federal government is in a unique position to catalyze and scale student-centered learning. Source Organization: Nellie Mae Education Foundation Visit… Read More ›
To Reform a Struggling High School, try this Rhode Islander’s Approach
This article describes the work of Principal Alan Tenreiro to turn around Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Rhode Island, improving school culture, student achievement, and teacher professional development. His approach included blended learning, personalization, and commitment to the common core standards. Alan Tenreiro was named the 2016 National Principal of the Year by the National… Read More ›
Educate Maine
This organization is a business-led education advocacy organization. Its mission is to champion college and career readiness and increased education attainment. It works to see all high school students graduate career and college ready and to increase the number of Maine workers with a postsecondary degree or certificate credential. Educate Maine advocates for policy initiatives that… Read More ›