Competency-Based Education Defined
- Competencies include explicit, measurable, learning objectives that empower students and can be applied in different settings.
- Assessment is meaningful and a positive learning experience for students.
- Students receive timely, differentiated support and feedback based on their individual learning needs.
- Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge, along with the development of important skills and dispositions.
- Learning is personalized and meets students where they are
(based on competencyworks.org)
Defined Competencies and Standards
Competencies describe a student’s ability to TRANSFER skills and content across content areas. They represent big understandings and the application of knowledge, and skills. They are assessed multiple times and across content areas. Standards define specifically what students are to know and be able to do. They are often specific content or skills and assessed at one moment in time.
In a competency-based system it is critical that students develop proficiency with not only content but also in 21st century learning skills including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and self-direction.
Anytime, Any place, Any pace Learning
In a competency-based system, it is recognized that learning takes place in many different settings, times, and at different paces. It’s not JUST about learning in a classroom. Students may learn in multiple ways, including by using technology, accessing community resources, and engaging in other life experiences. They are provided opportunities to show what they know and earn credit. They move on when they are ready, not at an arbitrary time determined by a schedule.
Separation of Work Habits
In a competency-based system, work habits are extremely important, so much so that they are assessed independent from content. Students grades relating to content demonstrate only their knowledge related to those skills and content, not their behaviors in class. Behaviors are assessed and reported separately to ensure grades communicate actual learning.
Student Voice and Choice
Student
voice and choice refers to a student’s ability to have a say in what and how he
or she is learning. This relates to the
classes they take, how they access and acquire the material, and how they
demonstrate their understanding. It does
not mean there is a free-for-all with students making all decisions. Students will be required to demonstrate
mastery of identified competencies and standards. However, they will be able to have a say in
how that happens.
Varied Avenues for Credit
Opportunities for earning credits through varied avenues are referred to as ELOs, or extended learning opportunities. For example, some students may earn their physical education credit through a traditional class. Others may earn it through participation in a sport, either on a school team or outside the school setting. Another example could be a student earning an English credit as a result of working at a local newspaper. If learning is going to take place in varied settings, there needs to be a process in place for students to earn credit for that learning. Working with an educator and community partner, a student would create a plan. When the student is ready, he or she would present evidence of how mastery was demonstrated to earn the credit.
Social and Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) describes the process through which individuals understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy, establish and maintain positive relationships and made responsible decisions (CASEL, 2019). The development of strong SEL skills has been shown to lead to increased academic achievement and improved behavior among students. Five core competency areas have been identified as integral to our students' educational experiences. They are:
- self-awareness,
- self-management,
- social awareness,
- relationship skills, and
- responsible decision making.
By incorporating direct instruction on these skills within our learning environments we will be able to provide students with opportunities to develop and achieve much more than content.
Personalized Learning that Meets Students Where They are
Personalized learning is an approach that is designed around individual learner readiness, strengths, needs and interests. Students are active participants in setting goals, planning learning paths, tracking progress and determining how learning will be demonstrated (Rickbaugh, 2016). Essential elements for personalized learning include really knowing each and every student, and engaging them as active, integral partners in the design and monitoring of learning.
Grades Reflect Evidence and Application of Learning
When looking at a traditional transcript, it is impossible to know whether a B in chemistry indicates that a student learned 80% of the content, showed mastery of 100% of the content at the end of the term but only knew 60% on the first assessment. Maybe the student understood even less and earned the B by doing extra credit. Grades in a competency-based environment communicate a student’s actual mastery of a competency. We look for patterns and evidence of learning. Students are provided with multiple attempts to learn after feedback. Think about it in terms of being on a sports team. “If you have a bad week practicing, you don’t show up on Friday night with a minus five on the scoreboard” (Varlas, 2013, p. 6).
Assessment Of, While and For Learning
In a competency-based system assessment is a meaningful process and a positive learning experience for students. Educators use formative assessments throughout learning to inform instruction and help students set goals. Summative assessments allow students to demonstrate their competency when they are ready, not on an arbitrary date.
Cross Curriculum Connections
In a competency-based system, the walls between content areas are broken down so students can see an apply skills from one content area to others. Students may demonstrate their ability to apply math concepts while engaged in a scientific research project. They may demonstrate writing competency through the lens of social studies. By helping students to see how the skills and content from one area apply to others, learning becomes more meaningful and relevant.
Real World Applications for Learning
Not only is learning connected between content areas, but in a competency-based system students also discover and apply their learning in real work situations. They study real problems and find solutions. Students are provided opportunities to see how what they are learning could impact their lives outside of school and into the future.
Student-led Demonstration of Learning
A critical component to a competency-based system is that students take ownership of their learning. When students are engaged in the assessment process they understand themselves as learners and set goals for growth. They become motivated to achieve and learn. Having students lead their own demonstrations of learning also provides opportunities for families and community members to be involved in the process and celebrate learning.