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The 10 Elements of Competency-Based Learning

Competency-based learning (CBL) is a student-centered approach to education that focuses on mastery of skills and knowledge, rather than simply completing seat time. It is based on two key principles:

  1. Students should meet learning expectations: Passing students along with a weak foundation sets them up for failure in the future.
  2. Students should demonstrate what they know: CBL emphasizes showing mastery through various methods, not just turning in work or attending class.

While the idea of CBL has been around for decades, it has gained renewed attention in recent years as the traditional “batch-print” system has become increasingly inadequate. CBL offers a better alternative by focusing on individual student needs and progress, rather than relying on age-based cohorts.

Here are the 10 essential elements of a competency-based system:

  1. Intellectual mission: A clear focus on developing productive habits of mind and preparing students for college, careers, and civic life.
  2. Standards: Clearly defined expectations of what students should know and be able to do.
  3. Progress monitoring and achievement recognition: Systems to track student progress and recognize their accomplishments.
  4. Grouping and scheduling: Flexible grouping and scheduling based on student needs, rather than age cohorts.
  5. Reporting: Clear communication to the outside world about student progress, using traditional metrics like courses, credits, and grades.
  6. Content: Support for self-directed and customized learning.
  7. Tools: Technology tools that facilitate standards-based challenges, collaboration, and scheduling.
  8. Teacher support: Preparation and development of teachers for a dynamic environment with differentiated and distributed staffing.  
  9. Evaluation systems: Systems to assess student learning and the effectiveness of experiences and adult support.
  10. Community connections and supports: Opportunities for students to connect with the community and receive support for their success.

Implementing a competency-based system can be challenging due to the limitations of current tools and the need to adapt to a new way of thinking about education. However, the potential benefits of CBL for students, teachers, and institutions make it a worthwhile endeavor.

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