Giving Compass' Take:

• The Building 21 network is made up of schools that want to adopt the outcome framework and assessments that are innovative and competency-based focused on finding personalized ways for student success. 

• How replicable is this framework for schools? How could philanthropists play a part in funding or supporting this model?

• Read about five trends for seeding competency-based education growth. 

A Pennsylvania nonprofit operates innovative schools in Philadelphia and Allentown under contract to the districts. Five more schools have joined the Building 21 network to take advantage of their outcome framework, assessments, systems and professional learning experiences.

The Building 21 team developed an outcome framework in 2014. After NGLC released the MyWays framework in 2016, they developed a synthesis mode that includes five outcome categories: core content, next-gen essentials, habits of success, wayfinding and personal development.

We’re trying to uncover growth and make as transparent as possible,” said Tom Gaffey, Chief Instructional Technologist. Tom asks, “Can we create a new school model with growth as the foundation?”

The goal is personalized pathways where student strengths and interests shape a journey through foundational skills to college and career readiness. The first two years of the high school model are foundational with a focus on building skills and connecting to why. The upper division is a launchpad to what’s next.

The Building 21 learning model stresses strong relationships, problem-based learning, real-world learning experiences and competency-based assessment.

Beautifully crafted shared values include:

  • Power: the ability to realize positive change through the just exercise of power
  • Mindfulness: Non-judgmental attention to the present moment enables
  • Interconnectedness: the connection of ideas, information, people and experiences
  • Responsibility: consider, understand and own the effects of our actions
  • Courage: taking risks and persevering through setbacks and failures
  • Transparency: open and honest in all of our communication.

Read the full article about Building 21 network by Tom Vander Ark at Getting Smart