Competency-based learning is a comprehensive approach to education that inspires curiosity, promotes rigor, and fosters independence.
Competency-based learning places students at the center of their learning and empowers all students to learn the relevant skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
The central promise of competency-based learning is to intentionally prioritize agency, equity, and transfer. Agency is when students have voice and choice in what, where, when, and how they learn. Equity is where all students are known deeply, empowered to learn, and provided the support they need to meet high expectations. Transfer is the ability to apply what has been learned in one context to another. It is no longer sufficient for students to just absorb knowledge; they need to be able to apply that knowledge to life outside the classroom.
Competency-based learning is not just theoretical for us. In 2016, GOA began the process of transitioning to competency-based learning in its Student Program courses by introducing six core competencies and rethinking how students learn and show their learning. Over the course of that time, GOA has made significant updates to assessment practices, grading policies, learning experience design, and cultural competency. This work has informed our approach to professional learning, which is grounded in translating theory into practice, offering job-embedded practical shifts and strategies for educators. To date, GOA has supported thousands of educators from independent, international, public, and charter schools in making the transition to competency-based learning through our courses, workshops, and strategic partnerships.
From self-paced courses to immersive workshops, the GOA team works with schools around the world as a trusted partner and guide.
GOA's Introduction to Competency-Based Learning workshop is a one-hour synchronous engagement facilitated by a GOA coach. Your team of educators will leave with a deeper understanding of CBL and concrete strategies to support CBL shifts at your school. For more information or to sign up, fill out the form below.
Learn on your own time and apply strategies immediately to your classroom. The CBL series offers self-paced courses that are approximately five hour experiences. Each course is open for 30 days. Participants engage asynchronously on their own timelines.
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