Jesse Nagel
EPIC, Michigan State University
Tara Kilbride
EPIC, Michigan State University
Katharine Strunk
EPIC Faculty Director, Michigan State University
A Policy Brief from EPIC
Competency-based education (CBE), at its most general, is a system of schooling in which students advance based upon demonstrated mastery of content and skills. In this brief, we review CBE implementation at the local level, using an analysis of surveys administered in five of the seven 21j pilot districts. With survey responses from students, teachers, and administrators in participating districts, we explore components of a preliminary theory of change developed through a review of the CBE literature, interactions with CBE practitioners and school system leaders in Michigan, and conversations with the Michigan Department of Education.
KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:
- CBE is necessarily a local enterprise
- Professional development opportunities are provided to teachers, but there is room for increased peer-to-peer and one-on-one administrator feedback
- 21j districts are still relatively nascent in their implementation of CBE practices
