How can CBE be used to close the achievement gap?

2 Why is CBE relevant for closing the achievement gap?

CBE is relevant for closing the achievement gap because it can address some of the root causes and consequences of the gap, such as lack of access and opportunity for some students to receive high-quality education, mismatch between the curriculum and diverse learners' needs, inequity and inconsistency in assessment and grading practices, and low motivation and engagement of some students. CBE can potentially overcome these challenges by providing personalized instruction and support for each student, offering more choice and voice in their learning paths, using more authentic assessments that reflect real-world relevance of competencies, and fostering intrinsic and extrinsic motivation by allowing students to set their own goals, pace, and challenges.

3 What are some examples of CBE in action?

CBE is being used in a variety of educational settings, from K-12 to higher education, from public to private, and from online to blended. For instance, New Hampshire was the first state to adopt a statewide CBE policy in 2005, requiring high schools to award credits based on competencies rather than seat time. Additionally, Western Governors University (WGU) offers CBE programs in multiple fields such as business, education, health and technology. Students can access a variety of learning resources and assessments whenever they are ready. Furthermore, Summit Public Schools is a network of charter schools that serves diverse and underserved students in California and Washington. The schools use a personalized learning platform that allows students to set their own goals and track their progress with project-based learning, mentoring and self-directed learning time.

4 What are some benefits of CBE for students and teachers?

CBE offers many advantages for students and teachers alike. Students can benefit from improved learning outcomes, confidence, and satisfaction. Additionally, CBE can help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the 21st century, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. It can also empower them to take ownership and responsibility for their learning, and to pursue their passions and interests. For teachers, CBE can be a useful tool to enrich their teaching practice, professionalism, and collaboration. It can enable them to design more engaging and relevant learning experiences for their students, as well as use more diverse and effective assessment strategies. Moreover, CBE provides teachers with more data and feedback to inform their instruction, and to collaborate with other teachers and stakeholders.

5 What are some challenges and limitations of CBE?

Competency-based education (CBE) is not a foolproof solution to all of the issues in education. It has its own set of challenges and limitations, such as the lack of clarity and consensus on the definition, design, and implementation of CBE among different stakeholders. There is also a need for more research and evidence on the effectiveness and impact of CBE on student learning and achievement, particularly for different groups of students and contexts. Additionally, resources and support for the transition to CBE are required, such as professional development, technology, infrastructure, and funding. Lastly, there may be resistance from some stakeholders who prefer or benefit from the traditional system or have questions about the quality, validity, and equity of CBE.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?