Archive
element:what
New Paper on Student Supports in Competency-Based Environments
In December 2012, CompetencyWorks released The Learning Edge: Supporting Student Success in a Competency-Based Learning Environment. The paper delves into the fourth element of the definition: Students receive timely, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs.
Q&A: A Split Screen Strategy Drives Proficiency-Based Learning
Ananth Pai, an elementary teacher in Minnesota, turned to game-based learning and a "split screen strategy" to engage and motivate students in the classroom. Today, Mr. Pai shares increased insight into his shift to a "split screen strategy" and how his efforts to personalize learning through proficiency-based learning model fit into a predominantly traditional school setting - with seat time, grades, and more.
Q&A: Students Appreciate Proficiency-Based Learning, Says Coach
Jessica Smith, a proficiency-based learning coach in the Portland, Ore. area today shares insight into what it's like to teach teachers, make the shift, and adjust students to proficiency-based teaching and learning (PBTL).
Blended Learning Decision: Enterprise or Portfolio
For many districts, the most important strategy decision will be whether to build a common district plan or encouraging schools to develop their own plans.
Good Schools Start With Good Goals
Good schools start with good goals. I really like the goal statements from Danville Schools, a small district south of Lexington.
10 Things Next Gen Districts Will Do Well
What will next generation districts do well? In the last week I've had the opportunity to discuss that question with hundreds of school board members and superintendents.
4 Career Skills Needed to Weather Change In Education
Like almost all fields today, the education sector has grown more complex in recent decades and faces a daunting set of challenges. Administrators in K-12 education, for example, must contend with inadequate funding and an aging school infrastructure along with such perennial problems as drug and alcohol use and bullying among students.
6 Innovations in Social Emotional Learning
Social emotional learning "teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work, effectively and ethically," says Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). CASEL was formed almost two decades ago started by CEO Roger P. Weissberg who is also professor at UIC. In addition to Weissberg, CASEL's agenda has been influenced by Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence.
Answers For & Lessons From Critics of Competency-Based Learning
I'm trying to square two things that happened last week. The Nellie Mae Foundation issued a great report called Making Mastery Work: A Close Up View of Competency Education (MMW), a visit to 11 cool schools. The other event was a Facebook dialog with unschoolers that think competency-based schemes are more testing in a fancy package.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Common Core Vendors
The implementation of Common Core State Standards is intended to create change in our nation's public education system ... not put change in the pockets of the American publishing industry.