The traditional education model has long been critiqued for its focus on grades over genuine learning. In the first episode of Season 3 of the "Growth Over Grades" podcast, Jordan Lewis delves into this issue with Bryanna Hanson, Director of Learning Design, and Liz Perry, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Learner-Centered Collaborative. Their discussion highlights the transformative power of competency-based education (CBE) and the shift towards a learner-centered approach.

The Journey to Learner-Centered Education

Bryanna and Liz's paths to their current roles are deeply rooted in their personal educational experiences. Bryanna, a former Spanish teacher, quickly realized the limitations of traditional education methods. "The experience I had in school was not very applicable," she shares. This revelation propelled her towards creating environments where learning is practical and meaningful. Similarly, Liz's journey from a disconnected student to a passionate educator highlights the need for engaging, authentic learning experiences.

Episode Highlights

• • 00:00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:01:40 - Guest Introductions
  • 00:03:35 - Defining Learner-Centered and Competency-Based Education
  • 00:07:16 - Overview of the Learner-Centered Collaborative
  • 00:10:30 - Defining Competency-Based Education
  • 00:15:17 - Shifting the Narrative: Compliance vs. Empowerment
  • 00:19:07 - Key Principles of Competency-Based Education
  • 00:28:05 - Role of the Teacher in a Competency-Based Model
  • 00:41:05 - Technology in Competency-Based Education
  • 00:50:21 - The Competency-Based Reporting Playbook
  • 00:55:51 - Advice for Leaders Implementing Competency-Based Education
  • 01:00:03 - The Future of Competency-Based Education

Defining Competency-Based Education

Competency-based education is fundamentally different from traditional education models. It focuses on the development of skills and competencies rather than the mere accumulation of knowledge. Bryanna explains, "it's not just about getting a grade because you filled out a worksheet. It's about building skills that are relevant and applicable." This approach requires a paradigm shift from compliance-based learning to one that emphasizes trust and empowerment.

The Learner-Centered Collaborative's Approach

The Learner-Centered Collaborative is at the forefront of this educational shift. Their work involves partnering with schools and districts to design meaningful learning experiences centered around personalized, authentic, and equitable practices. Liz articulates the essence of being learner-centered: "It's about centering the needs, strengths, hopes, and goals of learners in the design, facilitation, and assessment of learning."

Practical Implications and Strategies

Implementing competency-based education involves several strategic changes. One major shift is in assessment practices. Traditional grading systems are often seen as carrots and sticks, designed to reward or punish students. In contrast, CBE focuses on continuous, formative assessment. Bryanna recounts her experience in a no-grades classroom, where students were more interested in improving their skills than earning extra credit.

Authentic assessment opportunities are crucial in this model. Liz emphasizes the importance of providing multiple, varied assessments over time. "Authentic assessment tasks allow students to see the connection of what they're doing to the real world," she says. This approach not only enhances learning but also makes it more relevant and engaging.

Collaboration: The Heart of Learner-Centered Education

Collaboration is a recurring theme in Jordan’s conversation with Liz and Bryanna. Effective learner-centered education requires collaboration among all stakeholders—teachers, students, families, and the community. "If you don't put it in the schedule, it won't happen," Bryanna quotes a school leader. Creating time and space for collaboration is essential for the success of this educational shift.

Liz also highlights the role of community and family involvement. Simple strategies like designing dinner-table questions aligned with whole learner outcomes can bridge school learning and home conversations. "Connecting with families through intentional strategies, such as asking, 'Tell me about how you collaborated with your peers today,' can open up that conversation at home," Liz explains. Engaging families in the educational process helps to create a supportive and cohesive learning environment.

The Role of Technology

While technology plays a supportive role in CBE, it should not dictate educational practices. "Technology should support educators in good pedagogy, not dictate it," Bryanna asserts. The right technological tools can make learning visible, facilitate communication, and provide diverse assessment opportunities. However, the primary focus should remain on the pedagogical goals.

Overcoming Barriers and Looking Ahead

Transitioning to competency-based education is not without challenges. Systemic changes take time and require sustained effort. As Bryanna and Liz note, it's important to start small, pilot new approaches, and scale successful strategies. Bryanna emphasizes, "this is a long-term game. This is not an initiative that you can take on in August and have ready to go in December. This is really about changing mindsets. This is really about shifting practices, but it's also systemic change."​

Competency-based education represents a significant shift towards more meaningful, personalized, and empowering learning experiences. It prioritizes growth over grades, focusing on developing the whole learner. As the Learner-Centered Collaborative continues to champion this approach, its work serves as a beacon for educators and institutions aiming to transform education for the better.

For those interested in exploring this transformative approach, the Learner-Centered Collaborative's Competency-Based Reporting Playbook offers valuable insights and practical guidance. This resource, along with ongoing conversations and collaborations, will be crucial in driving the future of education toward a more learner-centered paradigm. To delve into the benefits and implementation of competency-based education, check out our latest blog on enhancing learner-centered models through competency-based education.