Professional Learning

Session 4: Connections to Previous Learning, Overview of Demonstration Project, and Leading a Competency-Based Learning System

Dec 14, 2022

Session 4

Concepts for this All Zones Session

Using the Missouri Framework and a CBL/RWL mind-set, participants will:

  1. Deepen understanding of personalized, Competency-Based learning mindset

  2. Review ideas in SRSN Demonstration Waiver Project

  3. Recognize the leadership practices essential for leading in a Competency-Based learning system.

The SRSN is tasked with bringing in various local, state and national perspectives around what it means to have a Competency-Based Learning (CBL) mindset. There is no one best approach when designing this type of system. 

District leaders should view the experts and resources being shared by the SRSN as one source of information, while continuing their own research and learning to identify what works best in their current context. One goal of the SRSN is to help educators see the value and importance of putting student learning at the forefront and how focusing on the 8 elements of a CBL mindset support this essential practice. 

4.1: Connections to Previous Work & Overview of Demonstration Project

Deepening Understanding of a CBL Mindset: The session opened with participants thinking about the learning from Dr. Bill Daggett who referenced 53 knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a future-focused workforce. Participants connected how these workforce essentials are supported by the 8 elements of Competency-Based Learning.

An overview of the SDZ’s proposed Demonstration Project Waiver was also shared. The work is being done in partnership with DESE. Also included is a briefing on the presentation SDZ districts provided the DESE Assessment Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) about ideas noted in the waiver.

🗃️ Resources for Section 4.1

4.2: Competency-Based/Personalized Learning System

Mike Ruhl, consultant with Marzano Resources, also provided participants with key ideas to consider related to leading a Competency-Based Learning System. Those ideas included the following:

  • The importance of a quality teacher in every classroom, noting the importance of the relationship between teacher and student.

  • The need for teachers and students to be clear on learning targets and how both groups need to be involved in capturing evidence for how a student is progressing toward these targets.

  • The importance of using proficiency scales to assist with clarifying and capturing evidence.

His conclusion-- these practices promote student agency and connect tightly to the eight elements of a Competency-Based Learning mindset. Currently, the SRSN is unable to share the video from this segment of the session.

This video is no longer available.