Competency-Based Education

This report describes the impact that various reform models - such as guided pathways, stackable credentials, and competency-based credentials - have on students' postsecondary outcomes as well as examples of how some states have been implementing these reform models. The report also discusses how technology and human systems in higher education inhibit transformative change while also presenting alternatives and solutions for addressing these barriers to change. Finally, the author presents policy recommendations that could accelerate the acceptance of the various reform models.

This report details and expands upon the key recommendations from the 2010 Innovate to Educate Symposium, held by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) in collaboration with ASCD and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The ten recommendations consist of five "essential elements" for personalized learning, as well as five "policy enablers" which would serve to support the development of those essential elements.

This brief discusses competency education from classroom practice to assessment and accountability. KnowledgeWorks suggests that competency-based learning is critical to the achievement of college and career readiness and success among high school students.

This brief uses a model by Jobs for the Future to discuss strategies to get learners on-track to effective educational pathways. The “Back on Track Through College” model indicates three overarching pathway benchmarks: Enriched Preparation, Postsecondary Bridging, and First Year Support. Using these points of entry to organize recommendations, this brief suggests using technology as a tool at all stages so that schools, youth programs, colleges and other organizations may leverage it for off-track students.