Breaking With Tradition

Establish a Competency-Based Approach to Teaching and Assessment

Shifting to a competency-based curriculum allows educators to revolutionize education by replacing traditional, ineffective systems with a personalized, learner-centered approach. Throughout the book, the authors explore how the components of professional learning communities (PLCs) promote the principles of competency-based education and share real-world examples from practitioners who have made the transition to learner-centered teaching. Each chapter ends with reflection questions readers can answer to apply their own learning progression.

This book will guide you in establishing competency-based education for student-centered learning:

• Evaluate the qualities of true competency-based schools and the flaws in traditional schooling.
• Consider the foundational role that PLCs have in establishing a competency-based approach and promoting learning for all.
• Gain tips for successfully implementing student-centered practices for learning competencies and performance assessment and grading.
• Explore real school experiences that highlight the processes and challenges involved in moving from traditional to competency-based school structures.
• Access reproducible school-design rubrics appropriate for the five design principles of competency-based learning.

Related Topics

Assessment Leadership Professional Learning Communities at Work® Professional Learning Communities

“This terrific book is authentic, thoughtful, and practical. It serves as an anchor in a stormy sea of policy changes by expertly laying out what school leaders can do right now to create a firm foundation for student learning.”

“A user-friendly resource for school leaders, leadership teams, and teacher leaders looking for a systematic and achievable approach to implementing competency-based learning.”

“Breaking With Tradition is written by educators for educators who want to learn about competency-based education. ... Your first steps toward creating a system where every student is learning and progressing can start right now. Brian Stack and Jonathan Vander Els will be wonderful guides for your journey.”

  Click here for reproducibles

  Click here for study guide