www.inacol.org

Future of Learning: A Global and National Perspective on Competency-based Learning

Susan Patrick

President & CEO

www.inacol.org

Competency-based Learning Definition

Competency-Based Pathways

• Many related phrases: Proficiency, Outcome-based, Standard-Based, Performance-based

• Competency is being integrated into federal policy

• Eliminating time and place as barriers to learning is a focus in many state reforms

Competency-based learning(definition)

1. Students advance upon mastery.

2. Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower students.

3. Assessment is meaningful and a positive learning experience for students.

4. Students receive timely, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs.

5. Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge, along with the development of important skills and dispositions.

Competency-based learningPerformance or competency

based learning is fundamental to personalizing learning at

scaleand

It challenges almost all of our assumptions about the present

system

What It Looks Like• Every student with a personalized learning “map”

– Competencies for each level – academic + universal constructs

• Students know their targets; collaborate w/each other

• Adults shifting roles– Personalization, grouping, teacher specialization– Characteristics of effective instruction (and assessing

proficiency levels)• Rubrics to help teachers understand what proficiency looks like

• Data systems to support teachers and students clearly indicating level of progress on each academic standard and efficacy standards (to monitor student progress)

• Classroom, online, expanded learning opportunities– After school, museum, NASA, formal & informal learning

• Individual growth models for accountability

Designing Competency-based Pathways for Next Generation Learning• Move away from content packed into traditional course

sequences• Leave grade and age level grouping behind• Focus on each student’s progress through the continuum of

learning• Use embedded assessment as part of the learning process • Design learning trajectories of BIG IDEAS and key concepts• Student learning plan is based on attainment of

mastery/competency through these progressions (and not all students in the same sequences!)

• Evidence of learning can be varied• Failure is no longer an option

State Recommendations• Redefine Carnegie unit into competencies• Allow personalized learning (any time, any place, any pace)

– personalized learning plan– Informal, formal and online learning opportunities– K-20 continuum through secondary and higher education

• Student-centered accountability and assessment models– Individual student growth models– Rethink AYP and assessment to modularized testing

throughout year measuring individual progress regularly• Learning empowered by technology

– SIS, integrated LMS, more online/blended, open architectures and resources (OER)

Cracking the Code: Synchronizing Policy and Practice for Performance-based Learning

Resources at www.inacol.org• Cracking the Code: Synchronizing Policy and Practice

for Performance-Based Learning • It’s Not A Matter of Time: Highlights from the 2011

Competency-Based Learning Summit • When Success is the Only Option: Designing

Competency-based Pathways for Next Generation Learning

• Clearing the Path: Creating Innovation Space for Serving Over-age, Under-credited Students in Competency-based Pathways

• Wiki

Stephen Heppel (U.K.) notschool.net Quotes from iScoil in Ireland

• “Students should advance on stage not age”

• “There’s no limit on how fast and how far students can go.”

• “Age and time are for adult convenience”.

www.inacol.org

$12M Grants for Wave 3 RFP

Ted Kolderie Education Evolving: What Does Blended Learning Look Like? How students learn…

Khan Academy, Los Altos, CA• NPR August 22, 2011: Khan Academy Pilot in Los Altos Schools

– Teacher Courtney Cadwell says she saw students become 'active learners' and the tool 'stretches us as educators.'

What If?

Word Cloud: Why do you favor implementing digital or online learning in your district?

Q31Word Counts – Online (154) / Digital (50)