Implementing Competency Education in K–12 Systems: Insights from Local Leaders Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page June 01, 2015 CHRIS STURGIS After five years of interviews and site visits with field leaders, this paper distills best practices from a handful of those converting to competency-based systems. Key highlights include strategies to engage, motivate,…
Centered on Results: Assessing the Impact of Student-Centered Learning Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page April 29, 2015 NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION While many of the concepts and approaches that comprise student-centered learning (SCL) have deep roots in learning theory, the cognitive sciences, and youth and child development, empirical research on SCL’s impact…
Blended Instruction Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page April 07, 2015 EDUCATION CONNECTION AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC) Digital technology is here to stay, with new tools and media for learning finding their way into schools and young people’s lives each year. But even as interest in technology-enhanced instruction grows, many educators struggle…
Maximizing Competency Education and Blended Learning: Insights from Experts Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page March 23, 2015 SUSAN PATRICK AND CHRIS STURGIS Today’s modern economy and higher education space demands a diverse and specialized array of academic, technical and problem-solving skills. To ensure students are both college and career ready, K-12 schools…
An Up-Close Look at Student-Centered Math Teaching Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page November 04, 2015 KIRK WALTERS, TONI M. SMITH, STEVE LEINWAND, WENDY SURR, ABIGAIL STEIN & PAUL BAILEY Today, far too many students see mathematics as a subject to be endured, rather than a subject of real-world importance and personal value.…
Equity in Competency Education: Realizing the Potential, Overcoming the Obstacles Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page November 04, 2014 RAND EDUCATION AND JOBS FOR THE FUTURE Competency-based education is designed to promote equity by preventing students from falling behind. In practice, however, poorly implemented competency-based programs could inadvertently increase inequity – in opportunities…
An International Study in Competency Education: Postcards From Abroad Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page October 13, 2014 SUSAN PATRICK AND SARA FRANK BRISTOW This paper highlights components of competency education in international practice, to inform US policymakers and decision makers seeking to implement high-quality competency pathways at the state or local level.…
From Learning to Leadership: A Cost Study of Early Career Supports for Teachers Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page October 02, 2014 THE RENNIE CENTER FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH & POLICY AND MASSBUDGET While many agree that the classroom teacher is the single most important in-school factor in student learning, there is much debate…
Uplifting the Whole Child: Using Wraparound Services to Overcome Social Barriers to Learning Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page October 02, 2014 COLIN A. JONES Students facing family, health and economic challenges enter schools with complex barriers to success. This report from MassBudget and the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy examines…
Building Multiple Pathways to a High School Diploma: A Cost Study of Non-Traditional Academic Options Download the Full PDFBack to Publications Page October 02, 2014 THE RENNIE CENTER FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH & POLICY AND MASSBUDGET This report asks how school districts can support diverse learners with a menu of opportunities that lead to high…