PUBLICATIONS

Necessary for Success: Building Mastery of World-Class Skills – A State Policymakers Guide to Competency Education

Necessary for Success NME

February 01, 2013

SUSAN PATRICK AND CHRIS STURGIS

As students continue to drop off the “conveyor belt” of today’s factory-like school system, state policymakers are exploring student-centered alternatives to seat-time progression.

This issue brief describes competency-based systems and reforms in districts and schools from Maine to Florida, and makes suggestions for education leaders around changing policy, fostering progressive public discourse, and supporting teachers.

At the root of this work is a clear focus on ensuring that students have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills they need to succeed in life after graduation—whether that skill acquisition happens in the classroom or in the community.

#DisruptionDialogue happening in Martha’s Vineyard on August 4!
“The Nellie Mae Education Foundation really seeks to make visible the invisible. We are all in service of a high quality education for every child, hard stop. There are aspects of who is least well served that often we’re not talking about, that are often invisible to folks for whom the system has served really…
July 25, 2024
Reflections and the Path Forward
February 27, 2024
Our shared commitment to equity and justice
I hope this message finds you all well. As we prepare to power down for the year end break, I am reflecting on the tremendous work of this community.
December 21, 2023
Improvement Science as a Powerful Tool for Improving Classroom Instruction
The projects—which had high levels of participation and benefited from the support of a developmental evaluator—demonstrated that NICs are a viable approach to instructional improvement.
February 23, 2023
Black History is American History: Why We Must Continue to Teach the Truth
As a Taiwanese immigrant and parent of a bi-racial child, I believe it is important for every young person to have options in their learning. When I was growing up, I loved reading and pored over books.
February 16, 2023
The Wisdom in Transitions: A Time of Reflection in Gratitude
After four years at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, and a tenure that includes serving as Vice President of Strategy and Programs and Interim President and CEO, the time has come for me to put a period at the end of this chapter.
January 19, 2023