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Competency-Based Education (C-BE)

Overview

Competency-Based Education can help all students through flexible systems that support student success and allow for reporting of student competency that reflects student learning. Students advance upon demonstrated mastery of content reflected in the competencies that include relevant content. Competency-based education includes rapid and differentiated support based on individual needs; allowing students to attain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in careers, college, and citizenship. According to the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) the primary components of Competency-Based Education include:

  • Students advance upon demonstrated mastery;
  • Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower students;
  • Assessment is meaningful and a positive learning experience for students;
  • Students receive timely, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs; and
  • Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge, along with the development of important skills and dispositions.

This recent podcast outlines how Competency-Based Education fits into Michigan's Top 10 in 10 strategic plan.

Competency-Based Education Grant Pilot Grant (Section 21j of the State School Aid Act)

Section 21j of the 2017 -2018 State School Aid Act provides $500,000 to fund grants for the design and implementation of competency-based education programs. Districts will compete for grant funding for the purpose of providing enhanced choice to pupils and parents for the completion of the requirements for kindergarten through a high school diploma, including the Michigan Merit Curriculum. The grant program is designed to be a three-year opportunity for districts to explore, develop , and implement the systems and processes necessary for a quality competency-based education program.

Applications for this grant must be submitted in the Michigan Electronic Grant System Plus (MEGS+) by February 12, 2018. The grant application questions are being provided now so that districts can begin the application process in an effort to allow for maximum time to plan and connect with stakeholders. Please keep in mind that budgets will be submitted MEGS+ and that narrative responses in will be limited to 1000 characters. There is also a section in MEGS+ where supporting documents may be loaded into MEGS+ for review.

Please review the following resources for application information:

Reporting in Competency-Based Education

Please see the Michigan Department's overview of Digital "Badges" in Education.

Examples of Competency-Based Education in Michigan

Do you use a competency-based approach in your district, school, or classroom? MDE wants to hear about it! Please contact Gregg Dionne to connect with MDE and share the way you use a competency-based approach.