In the eighth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Alissa Muller, Director of Policy and Director of the Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative at the Washington State Board of Education, to discuss mastery-based learning (MBL). Together, they explore the concepts of culturally responsive-sustaining MBL and examine the challenges and benefits of these teaching models. Alissa also shares valuable insights on how to gain traction in implementing MBL, including strategies for engaging both teachers and parents.

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:18 - Meet Alissa Muller

00:03:18 - Empowering Learners through Mastery-Based Learning

00:07:55 - Culturally Responsive Sustaining Mastery-Based Learning

00:15:47 - Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative

00:22:06 - Onboarding Families and Motivating Educators

00:34:25 - Aligning Mastery-Based Learning with Standards and Long-Term Success

00:45:32 - Policy Shifts

00:53:00 - The Future of Education

Meet Alissa Muller

Alissa Muller brings a wealth of experience to the education sector, having spent seven years with the State Board of Education, preceded by her work in Texas nonprofits focused on experiential learning. Her passion for inclusive and innovative education began at home—her brother’s experiences with dyslexia and ADHD inspired her to pursue a career focused on creating meaningful, supportive learning environments in schools. Alissa holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Washington, further equipping her to advocate for transformative educational approaches as the Director of Policy and Director of the Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative.

Empowering Learners through Mastery-Based Learning

Mastery-based learning (MBL) empowers students to progress at their own pace, advancing only when they demonstrate mastery of skills aligned with state standards. Alissa emphasizes the importance of student agency in this model, noting, “Students are able to take ownership of their own learning and receive support based on their individualized needs and interests.” Unlike traditional approaches, MBL relies on authentic assessments tailored to each student’s learning path, with Alissa explaining, “You’re testing the same standards and skills. It’s how students choose to show they have learned those skills that will look different.” While some teachers may already incorporate aspects of MBL, Alissa underscores that true implementation requires a consistent, school-wide commitment to fully realize student-centered learning.

Culturally Responsive-Sustaining, Mastery-Based Learning

Culturally responsive-sustaining, mastery-based learning (CRS, MBL) values diverse identities, such as race and gender, as assets within education. Alissa explains, “The aim of CRS-MBL is really to elevate historically marginalized voices and to prepare students for rigorous learning, connecting across differences, and becoming agents of positive social change.” Washington State’s commitment to MBL was a response to address educational inequities underscored by the pandemic, closing opportunity gaps and supporting each student's unique learning path. Alissa emphasizes, “It is a way to transform our education system because if you do it intentionally, then you can have teaching methods that are designed to really equitably engage every student in ways that best support their individual student learning journey.”

Introducing the Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative

With funding provided by the legislature, Alissa explains that the Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) “is a group of schools that is really focusing on MBL plus CRS-MBL practices and implementing those two things together.” To support educators in their training and successful implementation of these practices, the MBLC has hired professional learning providers. Currently, the collaborative includes two cohorts, comprising 47 schools and 23 districts, all participating in a four-year grant cycle aimed at driving transformative educational change across the state.

Onboarding Families and Motivating Educators

To successfully implement MBL, engaging families and empowering educators are both key. Alissa emphasizes the importance of early and open communication with families, noting, “You have to be able to share enough with families so that there aren’t these miscommunications happening between students and families about things like what changes mean.” Transparency and dialogue help build trust, allowing families to give feedback and easing transitions like grading shifts. For educators, Alissa suggests that leaders start by addressing common frustrations with traditional systems, asking, “What do you have to lose?” She encourages leaders to support teachers in exploring new methods, fostering relationships, and understanding the root causes of disengagement. “Sometimes teachers need permission to get outside the box, to get outside of the rules and regulations,” she says, adding that this freedom can create a more engaging and impactful learning environment.

Aligning MBL with Standards and Long-Term Success

Mastery-Based Learning (MBL) allows students to meet state standards and graduation requirements through diverse methods that prioritize deeper understanding. Alissa emphasizes, “Schools implementing mastery-based learning still have students meet the same state standards...they're just going to do that in different ways.” While transitioning to MBL may initially affect test scores, schools committed to the approach see improvements as students engage in more meaningful learning experiences. MBL also fosters a more dynamic and engaging environment, as Alissa shares, “Teachers in the MBLC are saying how energizing it’s been to really focus on that hands-on, student-centered, culturally responsive learning.” This model leads to increased student agency, greater participation, and positive shifts in classroom culture, making it “the right thing for kids” and grounded in research-supported practices that are likely to endure.

Shifting Policies

Alissa highlights several state-level policy shifts designed to support the adoption of MBL. Students now have access to a system of graduation pathways, including a performance-based pathway specifically for MBL schools. She explains, “We wanted to design a graduation pathway that was a lot more customizable and individual, that would align with mastery-based learning.” This pathway also provides training resources for teachers in schools that aren't fully implementing MBL. Additionally, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is exploring funding models to support MBL schools. While a bill for statewide competencies did not pass yet, it remains a potential future development to further advance MBL implementation.

The Future of K-12 Education

Alissa explains, “Students across Washington and likely across other states are really asking for learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant, and aligned with their future goals.” MBL fosters more "lightbulb moments" through hands-on, experiential learning that boosts engagement and deepens understanding. By shifting from a traditional ranking system to a more student-centered approach, MBL promotes greater student choice, agency, and culturally responsive teaching. She emphasizes that this model equips students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the rapidly changing world of the 21st century.

MBL is redefining education by fostering meaningful, engaging, and culturally responsive learning. Through Alissa Muller’s advocacy, MBL is shown to address challenges like student disengagement and achievement gaps, preparing students with skills needed for success in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about preparing students for the future, check out The Educator's Role in Preparing Students for Jobs That Don't Exist Yet.