The Competency-Based Education Pilot in Illinois


Book Description

The Competency-Based Education Pilot was created by the Illinois General Assembly as part of the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act of 2016. Since its inception, 12 Large Unit School District Association (LUDA) districts have been accepted into the pilot. The purpose of this white paper is to further inform Illinois legislators and policymakers and others in the education community on the implementation of the Competency-Based Pilot at the school district and building levels. Seven LUDA districts have presented their competency pilot stories in this white paper. These districts took the bold step of being part of this innovative pilot and they have helped create the future of education in Illinois. They each have an important story to tell. They explain why they chose to apply for the pilot, the mechanics of how the pilot is structured, and the early successes and challenges of the pilot. Their stories are all very different, but they share a commonality of commitment to reforming education for tomorrow.




Deeper Competency-Based Learning


Book Description

The roadmap for your school’s CBE journey! The one-size-fits-all instructional and assessment practices of the past no longer equitably meet the needs of all students. Competency-based education (CBE) has emerged not only as an innovation in education, but as a true transformation of the approaches to how we traditionally "do" school. In Deeper Competency-Based Learning, the authors share best practices from their experiences implementing CBE across states, districts, and schools. Leaving no stone unturned, readers are guided step-by-step through CBE implementation and validation phases, beginning with defining your WHY and collaborative development of the competencies describing deeper learning. The CBE readiness tools and reflections inside will help your team: Build the foundation for organizational shifts by examining policies, leadership, culture, and professional learning Dig in to shifts in teaching and learning structures by addressing rigorous learning goals, competency-based assessment, evidence-based grading, and body of evidence validation Take a deep dive into the shift to student-centered classrooms through personalized instructional strategies that change mindsets regarding teacher-student roles, responsibilities, and classroom culture Discover how your students can demonstrate deeper learning of academic content and develop personal success skills by maximizing time, place, and pace of learning with this roadmap for your CBE journey.







Using a Competency Development Process Model in Higher Education


Book Description

What if educational programs designed curriculum with the end in mind, teaching and assessing only the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the workplace and broader life applications? Competency-Based Education (CBE) provides an answer to questions such as this one that key stakeholders such as employers, learners, parents, and educators are asking. In this book, the authors offer a Competency Development Process Model (CDPM) with unique features that emphasize the interdependence of competencies, assessments, and a robust learning journey within a fully developed career pathway. Two case examples are used throughout the book to contextualize the CDPM. There are seven steps of the model: ·Step 1: Define the Problem·Step 2: Establish the Competency Framework·Step 3: Draft the Competency Statements·Step 4: Establish Competency Measurability·Step 5: Develop Competency Assessments·Step 6: Adopt and Implement Competencies in Learning Journey and Credentialing Systems·Step 7: Evaluate Impact Over TimeThe model addresses the importance of situating competencies within a professional learning context using a backward design approach. In doing so, the model aims to elevate the work of designing competencies from merely developing a list of expectations to in-depth analysis and design, with the goal of developing competencies that can be readily used for assessment and career pathway development.Each step in the CDPM is treated as a chapter, and each chapter identifies the central question that must be answered, provides an overview of the tasks in the step, and illustrates the steps in action through the two case examples. Each chapter concludes with “Your Turn”—guiding questions for the reader to apply the step to their own context.




Unpacking the Competency-Based Classroom


Book Description

When implemented effectively, competency-based education (CBE) promotes high levels of learning for every student. Further, the practices and structures of a professional learning community (PLC) support this work. Explore a variety of perspectives and examples from educators who have shifted to CBE with great results. The book details how to do the work by reevaluating and revamping traditional policies, structures, and procedures, including assessment and instruction practices. Individualized learning educators will: Discover how to make the transition to competency-based education to promote learning for all students. Learn the role PLC practices and structures play in establishing competency-based classrooms and schools. Study real-world experiences and insights from educators from various schools and districts that have transitioned to competency-based systems. Reflect with end-of-chapter questions to enhance their understanding of the material. Receive reproducible templates they can easily use and adapt to fit their needs. Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: Seven Principles for Competency-Based Learning in the Classroom Chapter 2: PLC, Collaborative Teaming, and Competency-Based Learning Chapter 3: Competencies, Essential Standards, and Learning Targets Chapter 4: Meaningful, Balanced Assessment Chapter 5: Structures and Systems to Support Classroom Instruction Chapter 6: Structures for Feedback Chapter 7: The Design Rubric Epilogue Appendix References and Resources Index




Competency-Based Education


Book Description

Competency-Based Education introduces educators to a new model for anytime, anywhere schooling and provides tools and curriculum resources for redesigning the traditional structures of K–12 schools. Based on pioneering work across multiple states, the book shows how educators can design central elements of competency-based education—including performance tasks, personal learning plans, and grading systems—to meet the needs and interests of all students. Rose L. Colby provides critical tools for creating these elements in collaborative teams and engaging stakeholders such as educators, parents, and community members. The book incorporates case studies and voices from the field, and examines the variety of competency models that schools have adopted, highlighting the benefits for students. Competency-Based Education provides a much-needed resource at a time when states, districts, and schools are working to implement competency-based models and experimenting with new accountability systems that include evidence of learning beyond standardized tests.