One of the challenges in trying out new learning strategies, including those that embrace technology, is that schools have a tough time finding out which new methods work best – which ones actually help kids learn. One is an expansion of a coalition of schools that share best practices, called the League of Innovative Schools; the other is a comprehensive report on the ways that competency-based learning initiatives have grown in the six New England states. MORE

This competency-based system made sense; if students were chronically absent, holding them accountable to a pacing calendar would prove futile. Abbas Manjee's standards-based Algebra 1 scope and sequence. At the time, I had no idea this system was called “standards-based grading.” I generated logins for my students and started “blending” instruction using the free content from these publishers. Learn more about Kiddom Academy. MORE

There are organizations that support different kinds of transformation in schools and after researching and interviewing some of these organizations, we've learned a great deal about what these changes can look like, how schools go about redesigning aspects of their model, and what types of support they need along the way. In October, we will share a guide highlighting the trends, insights and challenges we've learned about while profiling five key players in the world of school redesign. MORE

The only goal is to learn the material, sooner or later. They get frequent updates on which skills they’ve learned and which ones they need to acquire. Mastery-based learning, also known as proficiency-based or competency-based learning, is taking hold across the country. To date, there are eight “learning lab” schools, whose practices are being tested, honed and highlighted for transitioning schools to see. MORE

In January 2015, Duggan enrolled in New Hampshire’s self-paced Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS), joining about 200 full-time middle and high school students and about 10,000 part-timers from brick-and-mortar schools statewide who take VLACS courses a la carte. Virtual schools promise flexibility and a universe of learning just keystrokes away. Also, VLACS’s funding is based on student performance rather than enrollment. Competencies. Competency Pays. MORE

Under such plans, the funding for a course taken by an individual student goes to the school or online company offering the course, often away from the student’s local district. The growth of “Course Choice” initiatives in various states was chronicled in depth by The Hechinger Report last year, in this story from our archives. — For the next generation of students, the international stakes are too high to restrict access to great courses based on ZIP code.”. MORE

Last month, the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) in New Hampshire launched a new set of pathways for students. Although proponents of personalized learning often talk about affording students more choice regarding how they learn, few schools have managed to figure out a coherent architecture to get there. These allow students to move through learning at a more flexible pace, on an as-needed basis. MORE