Replace ‘seat time’ with competency, report says
Experts give advice on how states and schools can implement competency-based learning
By Meris Stansbury, Associate Editor
Read more by Meris Stansbury
Experts say it shouldn't matter how fast students cross the finish line, but that they actually cross it.
A new report says that competency-based learning is becoming more attainable for schools, and with some actionable policy steps, state education leaders can help schools personalize learning and focus on competency rather than how long students are in school.
The report, titled “Cracking the Code: Synchronizing Policy and Practice for Performance-Based Learning,” comes from the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), with help from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). It calls into question the logic of “seat time” and current accountability standards.
“We are proposing what amounts to a vital change in current methods of instruction and measurement so that students can move ahead when they demonstrate knowledge,” said Susan Patrick, co-author of the report and president of iNACOL. “Unfortunately, many states and school districts are still handcuffed by rigid regulations that prevent them from moving toward the student-centered, performance-based approach.”
The report, says Patrick, offers guidance and practical recommendations for state education policy makers. The recommendations are based on discussions by education stakeholders during the 2011 Competency-Based Learning Summit from iNACOL and the CCSSO earlier this year.
The report says a comprehensive policy redesign will require competency-based credits, personalized learning plans, information technology, professional development (PD), and quality control in support of individual student growth for accountability “while aligning higher education with K-12 competency-based efforts.”
A starting point
The report begins by defining what is meant by competency-based, or performance-based, learning—as well as why it needs support.
Julie 1951
July 28, 2011 at 5:17 pm
“Outcome Based Education” (OBE) was all the rage 10 or 15 years ago. It didn’t work, because in order to do it the “right” way, it was extremely expensive. This whole program might look good on paper – but there is no money to even begin to implement such a thing. Many school districts are struggling to keep their heads above water NOW, with NO meaningful support of education at the state or federal level. #6 on the list mentions “rewarding schools….” where is the money for that? Who will provide the start up costs, and where will the money come from to continue the program?
Also – where has this been implemented and over what period of time? Where is the supporting data?
Julie 1951
July 28, 2011 at 5:17 pm
“Outcome Based Education” (OBE) was all the rage 10 or 15 years ago. It didn’t work, because in order to do it the “right” way, it was extremely expensive. This whole program might look good on paper – but there is no money to even begin to implement such a thing. Many school districts are struggling to keep their heads above water NOW, with NO meaningful support of education at the state or federal level. #6 on the list mentions “rewarding schools….” where is the money for that? Who will provide the start up costs, and where will the money come from to continue the program?
Also – where has this been implemented and over what period of time? Where is the supporting data?