Every state should convene a CBL workgroup to develop multi-year plans for scaling competency-based learning¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The publication recommends that every state create a competency-based learning workgroup, like Washington State's Mastery-based Learning Work Group, that develops recommendations and multi-year plans addressing barriers such as grade-level accountability systems, inadequate teacher preparation, and postsecondary reliance on standardized tests and grades. State education agencies would lead implementation and work with legislatures to revise policies on time-based requirements, accountability, and college admissions. The strategy responds to evidence that districts often stall at pilots, with Getting Smart identifying nearly 20 obstacles.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A state planning apparatus and policies that acknowledge the complexity of transforming districts, schools, and classrooms at scale; engagement strategies for families and the education community

Constraints¶

• The publication warns, via Maine's repealed mastery requirement, that poor planning, communication, and absent clear definitions of competencies can crush such efforts; most state efforts remain limited to pilots

Target Learners¶

• All K-12 learners statewide, including historically and systematically excluded populations

Target Learning Goals¶

• Scaling learner-centered, personalized, competency-based education

Related Strategies¶

• Policy strategies to personalize learning: competency-based progressions, phased implementation, networks, and interoperability

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Brizard, J.-C. (2023). Breaking with the past: Embracing digital transformation in education. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/176