In states across the nation, we see growing momentum to shift education systems to be more personalized, competency-based, and equitable. About ten years ago, only about a dozen states were working to create waivers and flexibility from seat-time-based credits. Today, every state has some sort of policy in support of competency-based systems. While that progress is truly remarkable, there is more work to be done. How might state policymakers interested in creating more relevant, meaningful, and personalized systems continue to build on this momentum?

The Aurora Institute has spent years working with states looking to advance competency-based systems, and has identified a set of key state policy levers that policymakers can put into action to build more personalized and competency-based systems. These shifts should be guided by a vision–co-constructed with local leaders, community members, students, and families–for what students need to know and be able to do upon graduating.

Here are six levers state policymakers can put in place now to set up their systems for future success:

  1. Establish a Vision by Developing a Profile of a Graduate
  2. Create the Conditions for Equitable Learner-Centered, Competency-Based Education Systems
  3. Transform Systems of Assessments
  4. Align Accountability and Data Systems
  5. Support Educators to Thrive in a Competency-Based System
  6. Redesign Learning Experiences

Read the full article about rethinking education systems by Jennifer Kabaker at Getting Smart.