Join Susie Bell, Heather Messer, and Beth Blankenship as they dive into the world of competency-based learning. Susie leads programming at MTC, while Heather champions personalized instruction in Wisconsin, and Beth coordinates innovative learner records in Virginia. They discuss how this approach redefines grading, focuses on student engagement, and promotes critical thinking. The conversation highlights real classroom examples, the importance of rubrics, and how to support independent growth—transforming traditional educational models.
Competency-based learning allows students to progress at their own pace, focusing on mastery of skills over traditional time constraints.
Rubrics are vital in competency-based education, enabling consistent assessment of student competencies across various subjects and facilitating meaningful feedback.
This educational model emphasizes individual growth and continuous improvement rather than competition driven by conventional grading systems.
Deep dives
Understanding Competency-Based Learning
Competency-based learning focuses on allowing students to progress at their own pace based on their mastery of skills rather than time spent in class. This approach emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and engagement, steering away from traditional grading methods that prioritize competition over personal growth. It encourages educators to structure lessons around the essential transferable skills that students must demonstrate, rather than simply administering grades based on assignments. In a competency-based model, students can display their understanding through various performance assessments that reflect real-world application of their skills.
The Role of Rubrics in Assessment
In competency-based learning, rubrics play a crucial role in assessing student progress and defining what mastery looks like across different subjects. These rubrics are often school-wide, allowing educators to evaluate students on a consistent set of competencies that cross disciplines, such as communication, critical thinking, and analysis. Teachers collaboratively develop these rubrics, ensuring they align with the overall learning goals established by the school community. This approach not only clarifies expectations for students but also facilitates meaningful feedback and evaluation that goes beyond traditional grading systems.
Personalized Learning Experiences
The competency-based model supports individualized learning experiences that cater to the unique needs and abilities of students. Educators can differentiate instruction by providing tailored tasks and assessments that reflect students' current readiness and interests. For instance, a science teacher may allow students to choose different research topics related to environmental issues, enabling them to explore areas they are passionate about while practicing vital research and analytical skills. This personalization fosters ownership of learning and allows students to demonstrate growth and proficiency in a manner that is relevant to them.
Emphasis on Growth Over Grades
A significant distinction of competency-based education is the emphasis on individual growth rather than traditional letter grades. Students are assessed based on their advancement in competencies over time, rather than being compared to peers through a rigid grading system. This trend encourages students to reflect on their own learning journeys and focus on continuous improvement and mastery. By utilizing a rolling gradebook model, teachers can revise grades to reflect students' latest assessments of their competencies, fostering a mindset of learning instead of merely chasing grades.
Implementation and Support Structures
Implementing competency-based learning requires robust support systems for both teachers and students. Organizations like the Mastery Transcript Consortium provide resources, tools, and training for schools transitioning to competency-based education. This includes assistance in developing competency frameworks, creating performance assessments, and facilitating collaboration among educators. Additionally, the consortium advocates for schools to connect with higher education institutions to ensure that competency-based transcripts are understood and valued in the college admissions process, helping create a smooth transition from high school to further education.
We talk a lot about differentiating instruction, measuring growth, and preparing students for the real world, but how do you actually do that in a system still driven by grades? Maybe you need a new model altogether. In this episode, we're exploring an approach to school called competency-based learning. I’m joined by three educators — Susie Bell, Heather Messer, and Beth Blankenship — who show us what this model actually looks like in classrooms. They share real teaching examples, how they assess growth over time, and how the Mastery Transcript Consortium supports this work.
Thanks to Zearn and EVERFI for sponsoring this episode.
