The Competency Collaborative supports NYC Public Schools in implementing competency-based education. Our member schools are big, and small. They have many different approaches to learning, and are at various points in their competency journey. We believe there is no one right way to do CBE. Instead, we focus on the principles of competency-based education, and on making decisions that support schools in making learning more equitable and transparent to their students.

Foundational Competency-based Education Principles

• Learning outcomes are the throughline: Learning outcomes are the basis for all that happens in each class. Outcomes are aligned to or in support of relevant standards, and may include personal and technical skills, habits of work, and learning mindsets that underpin academic success.

• Transparency: All expectations and criteria are shared and understood from the outset.
  There is no “secret path” to success.

• Learning is not competitive. Letter/number grades are de-emphasized.

• Assessments are a chance to demonstrate learning in multiple, varied ways over time.

• Timely, focused feedback gives actionable next steps. Pacing and supports are flexible.

• Power shifts & role shifts: Student and teacher roles shift to allow for active learning supported by cognitive coaching (a term introduced to us by Zaretta Hammond).