Posts by Tom Vander Ark

Competency-Based Education

The Case For Competency-Based Education

The global shift to competency is underway. It will better enable us to meet students where they are, ensure that they get what they need, and help them tell their unique story. Everyone involved in education has opportunities to help make the transition faster, better and more equitably.

Personalized Learning

Pathfinder Spaces: An Action Research Project at Singapore American School

Tom recently had the chance to visit Singapore American School, a 60-year-old organization with a sprawling facility built in several stages. Learn about their plan to rebuild about 60% of the campus and renovate the other portion and why their "Pathfinder Spaces" is the best facilities action research project we’ve seen.

Competency-Based Education

Moving to Mastery in Idaho

Schools in Idaho are moving towards competency-based education in order to provide more personalized learning for all students. Read more from Tom's recent visit.

Competency-Based Education

The Case for Competency as a New Equity Agenda

By: Tom Vander Ark and Mary Ryerse. What if our education system was designed with a commitment to equity at the forefront, and was set up to help all students achieve at high levels? This post makes the case for competency-based education as a valuable tool for achieving this goal.

Future of Learning

Three Shifts as Big as Print to Digital

We just lived through the biggest shift in learning since the printing press—a 25-year shift from print to digital. As Tom explains, that set the stage for three shifts that will change what and how people learn.