Learning Initiatives » Competency Based Education

Competency Based Education

What is competency based education?
 
Competency based education is a system of instruction, assessment, grading, and
academic reporting that is based on students demonstrating that they have learned the
knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their
education.
 
● Flexible environments for learning
● Flexible pacing for learning
● Personalized pathways for students
 
 
Why should we believe in competency based education?
 
Competency based education ensures that all graduates are college and career ready
for whatever path a graduate chooses. The traditional model is a one-size fits all
education system, in which students’ knowledge is tested as a one-and-done method.
 
● Transferability of knowledge and skills
● Increased student engagement
● Increased academic rigor
 
 
How are we going to accomplish competency based education?
 
Competency based education is based on a transformation of collaboration, culture and
climate, curriculum.
 
● School culture
● Learning progressions and pace
● Instruction
● Assessment system
● Grading policies
● Graduation requirements
 
 
Definitions:
 
Competency: A competency is a student’s ability to transfer content and skills into a novel situation. It
consists of a framework of standards and learning progressions.
 
Standard: Content or skills that define a content area.
 
Academic rigor: In-depth mastery of challenging tasks to develop cognitive skills through reflective
thought, analysis, problem-solving, evaluation, or creativity (International Center for Leadership in
Education, 2007)
 
Transferability: Successful use of one’s knowledge and skill in situation of importance