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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Most States Allow Credit Accumulation Based on Competency
A review of education policies nation-wide found 45 states and D.C. allow learners to accumulate credits and progress towards graduation through some type of demonstration of competency.
States Support Spread of Competency-based Education
A review of supportive policies showed 12 states have a competency-based education (CBE) pilot program or network and eight provide funding opportunities like grants to encourage the spread of CBE.
Growing Number of States Require Potrait of Graduate
A review of policies that support comprehensive-based education found 18 states and D.C. have a state-level, or require a local-level, Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) or similar visioning document. Nine have graduation requirements informed by this PoG.
Majority of States Allow Flexibility to Encourage Competency-based Education
A policy review showed 46 states and D.C. offer exemptions or waivers to allow schools and/or districts flexibility in meeting statutes and regulations in order to facilitate innovative competency-based education approaches.
Differentiated, Autonomous District Reform in Denver Shows Gains for All Students
A study of 20,000 Denver Public School students showed gains from 10 years of reform using a portfolio model of governance prioritizing differentiation and school-level autonomy. Students enrolled 2 years made gains in math and English equivalent to 6 months to 2 years of additional schooling. Those enrolled 5 years saw gains of 2 to 3 years.
Supportive State Policies Lead to Higher Reports of Strong SEL Implementation
Analysis of state social-emotional learning (SEL) policies found a statistically significant positive correlation between the existence of supportive state policies and teachers reports of strong SEL implementation on a related survey.
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.