Bright Spots: Empowering Learners Through a Competency-Based Approach

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BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

When students know the learning targets, have multiple opportunities to learn, experiment, and refine, they are much more invested in the process. My Bright Spot for this week is a competency-based system that empowers learners to set goals based on their current performance and teaches them to document and share evidence of their own personal goals related to academic mastery, growth, and mindsets.

With Gratitude,
Katie

I'd love to hear from you! Reply to this email to share your Bright Spot this week!

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Badge Books

On a recent visit to Mineola Free Union School District, I finally got to see the “Badge Books” that I have been hearing about for years. It was amazing to see the youngest learners in Kinder, 1st and 2nd grade adeptly using this competency-based approach to help identify and support the development of foundational skills.

They use neuron stickers to signal their brain is growing and identify what they are working on and highlight the skills they have mastered. It is a brilliant way to make learning explicit and visible for all.

Whether you are teaching kindergartners, juniors in high school, or adults in professional learning, we all can benefit by bringing learners into the process. When we identify the specific knowledge, skills, and habits that are valued and provide guidance to develop them, students can more easily identify their goals, reflect on progress, get feedback, and provide evidence of strengths and areas of growth.

Interested in discussing strategies for adopting a competency-based approach in your school or district? Let's connect!

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RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to help educators empower learners through competency-based strategies.

1. Starts Next Week! The Learner-Centered Collaborative book club. Thinking about or actively working toward learner-centered models of education? Join the book club and get inspired as we dive into Evolving Education. Starting Thursday, October 13. Learn more and register now.

2. More on a competency-based approach. Still curious about a competency-based approach? This webinar from the Aurora Institute provides insight on the what and why of competency-based education. Access the full recording here.

3. Uncover the true purpose of assessment. Learn more about reimagining assessment in the classroom to support learners' growth in this blog post by partner success lead Bryanna Hanson.

4. Collaborating to scale and sustain competency-based learning. Read all about how 2 of our Hawaii partner schools are bringing competency-based assessment to life with learners in this partner case study.