Competency-Based Education on the Getting Smart Podcast
Nov 27, 2024
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Explore the transformative power of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in K-12 learning. Discover how CBE prioritizes mastery over seat time, personalizing the educational journey for each student. Learn about real-world implementations in various districts that demonstrate its effectiveness. The discussion also emphasizes equity in education, presenting CBE as a solution to opportunity gaps. Unpack the importance of measurable learning objectives and how they empower students to take charge of their education.
Competency-Based Education (CBE) shifts the focus from time-based learning to mastery, promoting individualized learning paths and student agency.
Successful implementation of CBE in districts like Lindsay Unified and Building 21 highlights the importance of recognizing individual learning needs and equity.
Deep dives
Definition of Competency-Based Education
Competency-based education (CBE) is outlined as a student-centered framework designed to empower learners to take ownership of their education. It diverges from traditional education models, which often focus on seat time and fixed assessments, placing emphasis on mastery rather than completion based on time spent in the classroom. CBE promotes active learning by encouraging students to demonstrate what they know through relevant assessments that connect to real-world applications. Key components of CBE include meaningful assessments, timely support, a transparent framework describing competency expectations, and a culture that embeds equity in teaching practices.
Visualization of Competency Frameworks
Creating an infographic to visualize the components of competency-based education helps clarify the relationship between its elements. This visual representation emphasizes that learners are at the center of the educational process, making meaningful decisions about their learning path and demonstrating mastery of competencies. The infographic highlights how essential competencies are integrated throughout the educational experience and reinforces the idea that agency is a driver for equity within the system. Such visuals serve as useful tools for educators to understand and implement CBE principles effectively.
Examples of Implementing CBE
School districts like Lindsay Unified in California and Building 21 in Pennsylvania illustrate different paths to implementing competency-based education. In Lindsay, students progress when they demonstrate proficiency, shifting the school culture towards a student-centered approach that allows exploration and real-world connections. Building 21 focuses on a progression style for students, enabling them to fill portfolios with evidence of their learning, which unlocks further competencies as they demonstrate mastery. These examples showcase that while approaches to CBE may vary, the focus remains on creating systems that recognize and support individual learning needs.
Equity and Learning in CBE
Competency-based education is often viewed as an equity strategy because it personalizes learning paths for students, helping to close opportunity gaps. By allowing learners to progress at their own pace, CBE can address different educational needs and provide tailored support without simply checking off requirements. The emphasis is placed on gathering data to understand where each learner is and what support they need to succeed, fostering an environment of student agency. This approach contrasts traditional models that may inadvertently widen gaps due to a lack of individualized attention and understanding.
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Transforming Education with Competency-Based Learning
In the podcast episode featuring Laurie Gagnon, the focus is on the transformative potential of Competency-Based Education (CBE) in reshaping K-12 learning environments. Laurie discusses how CBE moves away from traditional seat-time-based models, emphasizing mastery of skills and knowledge at an individualized pace. This approach not only personalizes learning but also aligns with the Aurora Institute's vision of equitable education. By centering on explicit, measurable learning objectives, CBE empowers students to take charge of their educational journeys, promoting a deeper, more engaged form of learning. Laurie highlights examples of districts successfully implementing CBE, showcasing practical applications and the systemic changes required to support this educational model.