New Report Claims 'Competency-Based Pathways' as Necessary to Preparing Young People for the 21st Century

Claims current K-12 policy on seat time is outdated

VIENNA, Va., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report makes the case for young people to be assessed and advanced through the K-12 education process based on their own timeline of achieving pre-determined competencies, rather than the current policy of advancing learners based primarily on seat time. The report, When Failure is Not an Option: Designing Competency-Based Pathways for Next Generation Learners was released today by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL). Support for the report was provided by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

The paper explores competency-based pathways, a necessary condition to realizing the potential of next generation learning. The report promotes a deeper understanding of K-12 education policies and practices for implementing student-centered learning through competency-based pathways through a scan of exemplars across the United States. Also touched on in the paper are the many explorations into next generation learning that are sweeping across the country, as well as the technological advancements that are opening up new student-centered, performance-based, "anytime, anywhere" educational opportunities.

"The fundamental K-12 education policy of funding students solely on seat-time (a minimum of 40 minutes in a classroom seat for 180 days a year) – this model is outdated, expensive and doesn't help students who need extra time to master concepts or students that are ready to accelerate. Competency-based approaches build upon standards reforms, offering a new value proposition for our education system. It focuses on a departure from seat-time requirements to concept mastery. There is a need to update the literature in the field of K-12 education to better understand opportunities and challenges of moving toward competency-based pathways," said Susan Patrick, Co-Author of the report and President and CEO of iNACOL

"This exploration into competency-based innovations at the school, district, and state levels suggests that competency-based pathways are a re-engineering of our education system around learning—a re-engineering designed for success in which failure is no longer an option," added Patrick.

"We must, as a nation, begin dramatically increasing the number of young people from all populations who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's world," said Charles E. Toulmin, Director of Policy for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. "To do that, we must begin to ensure that we are appropriately and thoroughly measuring whether students have learned what they need to know. The pathways described in this report meet students where they are, provide them the supports necessary to master competencies before moving on and allow them the flexibility to do so at their own pace. This paper is an important step in showing how competency-based pathways can help ensure that every young person is prepared for success in postsecondary education, work and life."

The paper is available on the iNACOL homepage: http://www.inacol.org/.

About iNACOL

iNACOL is the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership association based in the Washington, DC area with more than 3,600 members. iNACOL is unique in that its members represent a diverse cross-section of K-12 education from school districts, charter schools, state education agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, universities and research institutions, corporate entities and other content and technology providers (www.inacol.org). iNACOL hosts the annual Virtual School Symposium (VSS). VSS 2010 is being held Nov. 14 – 16, 2010 in Glendale, AZ (www.virtualschoolsymposium.org).

About MetisNet

MetisNet works with foundations, government, and individuals to identify the most effective ways to shape investments that build communities, benefit children and families, and strengthen our future. Our mission stems from the very roots of our name—metis—a Greek word for local knowledge and wisdom. Drawing on multiple perspectives, MetisNet works with clients to develop vibrant, asset-based investment strategies. For more information, visit www.metisnet.net.

About Nellie Mae Education Foundation

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is the largest charitable organization in New England that focuses exclusively on education. The Foundation supports the promotion and integration of student-centered approaches to learning at the middle and high school levels across New England. To elevate student-centered approaches, the Foundation utilizes a three-part strategy that focuses on: developing and enhancing models of practice; reshaping education policies; and increasing public understanding and demand for high quality educational experiences. The Foundation's new initiative areas are: District Level Systems Change; State Level Systems Change; Research and Development; and Public Understanding. Since 1998, the Foundation has distributed over $110 million in grants. For more information, visit www.nmefdn.org.

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning

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