Unpacking the Competency-Based Classroom: Equitable, Individualized Learning in a PLC at Work®

When implemented effectively, competency-based education (CBE) promotes high levels of learning for every student. Further, the practices and structures of a professional learning community (PLC) support this work. Explore a variety of perspectives and examples from educators who have shifted to CBE with great results. The book details how to do the work by reevaluating and revamping traditional policies, structures, and procedures, including assessment and instruction practices.

• Discover how to make the transition to competency-based education to promote learning for all students.
• Learn the role PLC practices and structures play in establishing competency-based classrooms and schools.
• Study real-world experiences and insights from educators from various schools and districts that have transitioned to competency-based systems.
• Reflect with end-of-chapter questions to enhance their understanding of the material.
• Receive reproducible templates they can easily use and adapt to fit their needs.

Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Seven Principles for Competency-Based Learning in the Classroom
Chapter 2: PLC, Collaborative Teaming, and Competency-Based Learning
Chapter 3: Competencies, Essential Standards, and Learning Targets
Chapter 4: Meaningful, Balanced Assessment
Chapter 5: Structures and Systems to Support Classroom Instruction
Chapter 6: Structures for Feedback
Chapter 7: The Design Rubric
Epilogue
Appendix
References and Resources
Index

Jonathan G. Vander Els, EdS, specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in schools and districts across the United States in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners. As a practitioner, Jonathan is able to blend his experience and expertise to meet educators where they are and assist them in developing practical next steps to ensure high levels of learning for students in their school.

Jonathan has consulted, coached, and presented at conferences and PLC at Work® Institutes throughout the United States on building highly effective professional learning communities (PLCs), implementing competency-based and personalized learning, and developing balanced and rigorous assessment systems. He is coauthor of Breaking With Tradition: The Shift to Competency-Based Learning in PLCs at Work®, written with Brian Stack.

Jonathan serves as a project director for the New Hampshire Learning Initiative, overseeing and participating in the personalized and competency-based work throughout the State of New Hampshire. Formerly, Jonathan was principal of Memorial Elementary School in Sanborn Regional School District in Kingston, New Hampshire. Under his leadership, Memorial School became a nationally recognized Model PLC and competency-based learning elementary environment.

Jonathan has an education specialist degree from the University of New Hampshire in educational administration and supervision, a master's degree in elementary education, and a bachelor's degree in history. Jonathan is currently enrolled at the University of New Hampshire in their PhD Educational Leadership and Policy strand, with a focus on competency-based learning. Jonathan lives with his wife and three children on the New Hampshire Seacoast.

To learn more about Jonathan's work, follow @jvanderels on Twitter.

Brian M. Stack, CAGS, is the principal of Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, New Hampshire, and a professional development provider supporting educators in schools and districts around the world. Since 2010, Brian has been a member of the research, design, and implementation team for his school district's nationally recognized K-12 competency-based learning system. An educator since 2001, Brian was a high school mathematics teacher, curriculum director, high school administrator, and school board member in three different school districts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has worked as a consultant and expert coach for a number of schools, school districts, and organizations engaged in personalized and competency-based learning across the United States. His is coauthor of Breaking With Tradition: The Shift to Competency Based Learning in PLCs at Work® with Jonathan Vander Els.

Brian is a member of the New Hampshire Association of School Principals. He received the 2017 New Hampshire Secondary School Principal of the Year award from that organization. In 2010 and again in 2013, he was recognized with the Outstanding Role Model award, also from that organization. He is a strong advocate of personalized learning, competency-based learning systems, and high school redesign for the 21st century. He has presented his education reform and redesign work in workshops and conferences across the United States.

Brian received his bachelor's degrees in mathematics and mathematics education from Boston University and a master's degree in education administration from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He received his CAGS in educational leadership from New England College. He lives with his wife, Erica, and their five children--Brady, Cameron, Liam, Owen, and Zoey--on the New Hampshire Seacoast.

To learn more about Brian's work, follow him at @bstackbu on Twitter.