Moving Toward Mastery: Growing, Developing and Sustaining Educators for Competency-Based Education
Building off examples of effective teaching, professional development and practice across the nation, this CompetencyWorks report explores how communities can work together to prompt and sustain complex systems change. To support a shift to student-centered education systems, the teaching profession must be equity-oriented, learning-centered, and focused on life long learning. This report is a must read… Read More ›
Portfolios Boost Assessment Relevancy for Truly Transformative Learning
This opinion article makes a strong case for states to adopt portfolios as part of their assessment programs. The article provides a good overview of the advantages of using student portfolios as assessment. The author outlines how portfolios can focus on learning rather than completion, asses in more individualized ways to decrease racial and socio-economic… Read More ›
Perkins V: Five Strategies for Integrating Personalized Learning with Career and Technical Education
This resource looks at the implications of the the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (commonly referred to as Perkins V) enacted by congress in the fall of 2018. One of the most important features of the new law is a greater emphasis on personalized learning strategies. This resource will help key… Read More ›
Quality Principles for Competency-Based Education
As states, districts and schools re-design education systems to move from more traditional approaches to a system focused on success for every student, the 16 design principles outlined in this book provide a cohesive framework that offers a set of guideposts for schools and districts. This book will be useful to all district leaders and educators working… Read More ›
Individualized Learning Plans for College and Career Readiness
This report from National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), in partnership with Hobsons, examines how states and schools are using Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). ILPs developed by students in collaboration with educators to support their academic and career futures through goal setting and tracking, are being used in schools around the country. The research summarized… Read More ›
Quality and Equity by Design: Charting the Course for the Next Phase of Competency-Based Education
This report seeks to advance K-12 competency education by examining key factors required to bring competency education to scale while ensuring quality and sustainability. Specifically, it looks at four issues: Quality Equity Meeting students where they are Policy The report incorporated feedback and recommendations from stakeholders who attended the National Summit on K-12 Competency-Based Education. It provides… Read More ›
Competency Works Series on Mastery Based Education in Idaho
This series of ten articles looks at how mastery-based education is being rolled out in the state of Idaho. The Staff from Competency Works visited seven schools in four districts, all changing from rural to more suburban communities. All the schools visited are are in the early stages of implementation, but have made much progress. These… Read More ›
Learner-Centered Professional Learning Culture
Learner-Centered Professional Learning Culture maps the transitions and transformations from “School Centered” to “Learner-Centered.” As the professional learning culture deepens. schools transition to practices that ensure every learner is equipped with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to realize their potential. With an intentional focus on educational equity—defined as: Academic achievement Positive socio-cultural and linguistic identity… Read More ›
North Dakota School District Ready to Make Bold Changes
This article discusses the shift to a competency-based model underway in the Northern Cass School District in North Dakota. The district plans to eliminate all grade levels, allowing students to build their own academic path to high school graduation. The changes are supported by state education policy allowing districts to apply for waivers from specific… Read More ›
18 Examples of State Policies that Support Competency-Based Programs
This article provides brief examples of state initiatives that support competency education. It includes initiatives identified as exemplars during the course of research conducted by Getting Smart. The examples are organized by features, including: Flexibility from time-based systems Competency-based diplomas Acceptance of competency-based diplomas and credits by higher education Flexible learning State assessments Innovation pilots… Read More ›
Teacher Inquiry Labs in South Carolina Demonstrate Personalized Learning in Action
This article discusses a hands on approach to teacher professional development. In South Carolina learning labs are part of the state-led support for personalized learning. They are educator-driven and volunteer-run. A host district highlights one personalized learning practice that they are using across the K-12 continuum and district leaders, educators and instructional coaches from across… Read More ›
Pittsfield Tries New Approach On Education
This radio clip from New Hampshire Public Radio features Pittsfield schools. The small district of Pittsfield adopted an approach that flips the traditional model of teaching through student-led discussion and independent projects. To learn more about Pittsfield schools, this short case study in Pioneer magazine provides a look at the school. Also check out the… Read More ›