Making the Case: Compelling Data
This growing library features data points describing the impacts and outcomes of student-centered and competency-based teaching and learning. The data are sourced from research studies, evaluation reports and journal articles, as well as evidence collected directly by classroom, school, district and state leaders.
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States Support Personalization Through Assessment Policies
A review of state policies found at least 25 states allow students to satisfy graduation requirements, and 39 states and D.C. let students receive course credit using student-centered assessment options.
More Schools Move from Traditional Transcripts to Learner Credentials
This brief outlines work to support schools moving from traditional transcripts to competency-based learner credentials. The MTC Learning Record is now used in more than 400 partner schools, tripling participation from 2019 to 2021. International Big Picture Learning Credential now has 150 students in its second U.S. pilot year.
North Dakota Leads Shift to Digital Transcripts
This brief notes trends in state policies moving towards digital high school transcripts which can better capture competency-based learning. North Dakota is the first state to commit to launch a next generation digital credential using a digital wallet for learners.
State Policies Give Local Student-Centered Flexibility
A policy scan found many states have reduced barriers, opening possibilities for student-centered learning. At least 31 states allow innovation schools or zones with reduced instructional time and attendance requirements; 18 have personalized, competency-based pilot programs; and 13 have policies allowing alternative instructional time models.
State Policy in Key Areas Supports Student-centered Reform
An analysis of student-centered state policy from Education Commission of the States and KnowledgeWorks found 2022 trends included assessments of mastery, funding, learning pathways, equity, flexibility and innovation, and other bills of interest.
New State Policies Support Innovation
A state policy review showed 20 bills that support flexibilities for local districts or schools to implement competency-based education and other innovations were passed across 15 states as of May 2023.
Graduation Pathway Policies Spark State-wide Personalized Learning
An analysis of states implementing personalized learning (PL), showed policies around graduation pathways were a catalysts to PL efforts in 3 of the 4 states studied, as they allowed more flexibility in meeting state graduation requirements.
More States Use Portrait of a Graduate
A recent review of state policies showed in the last 10 years 17 states have begun using Portraits of a Graduate which can help foster student-centered practices. The trend continued to build with 4 states adopting these polices from 2022-23.
Portfolio Model Spurs Enrollment in Indianapolis
While district enrollment decreased nationally, Indianapolis saw a 2% overall increase in 2020-21. This was fueled by a 42% increase in enrollment at Innovation Network Schools, which have more flexibility to provide personalized learning as part of the district’s portfolio strategy. During that time, enrollment in traditional schools dropped 15%
Denver Policy Reform Leads to Academic Gains
A study of Denver's reform strategy from 2008-2019, shows the move to a portfolio model of governance resulted in student gains. Before reforms, the district ranked in the bottom 5th percentile of Colorado districts on standardized state assessments in ELA and math. In 2019 performance rose to 60th and 63rd percentile in ELA and math, respectively.
Denver Policy Reform Results in Higher Graduation
A study of the impact of Denver's reform strategy, moving to a portfolio model of governance prioritizing school-level autonomy, showed improved graduation rates. Over 11 years, four-year graduation rates rose from 43% to 71%. Had reforms not occurred, predicted rates for 2019 were below 60%.
