Survey reveals insights
Schools across the country are exploring competency-based education models to focus on mastery rather than seat time. Transforming grading practices, however, remains an obstacle.
Recent research in Missouri sheds light on how schools are rethinking grading to align with competency principles. Missouri’s Success-Ready Students Network (SRSN) is pioneering competency-based education models for the state.
To support this work, the SRSN administered a survey to gauge the implementation and perceptions of competency practices.
The results provide valuable insights to drive competency-based learning forward.
The survey is based on the Competency-Based Education Program Survey, a tool that measures key components of competency models. These components include flexible pacing, personalized learning, standards-based grading, and more.
Survey design
Over 140 district and school leaders responded using a 1-5 scale of agreement.
The survey analyzed various scales, including:
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Professional Development
Measures how often educators engage in professional development activities related to competency-based education. (7 items)
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Flexible Pacing
Assesses the level of individualized pacing in the curriculum. (3 items)
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Professional Learning Communities
Evaluates time provided for teachers to collaborate on competency topics. (3 items)
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Ways to Earn Credit
Examines different methods for students to earn credits. (9 items)
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Flexible Structure
Gauges the flexibility in how and when students demonstrate their learning. (4 items)
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Progress Monitoring
Evaluates strategies used to track student progress on standards. (4 items)
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Support Services
Assesses personalized student support services. (4 items)
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Personalization of Learning
Measures the personalization of curriculum and instruction. (4 items)
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Flexible Assessment
Examines variety in assessment types and timing. (6 items)
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Competency-Based Grading
Evaluates the use of standards-based grading practices. (3 items)
Additionally, respondents were asked a single yes/no question about whether they had received formal training in competency-based education.
The scales containing multiple items showed moderate to high internal reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha estimates ranging from .590 to .936 in the overall sample. This indicates that the survey has sound psychometric properties for measuring key components of competency-based models.
Survey results
The survey results highlighted strengths that districts can build upon, such as flexible pacing and data-driven student support.
They also reveal critical areas needing more transformation, particularly around grading. While components of competency-based grading are gaining acceptance, traditional letter grades persist. This presents an opportunity for SRSN to provide more focused professional development and communication to explain the “why” behind standards-based grading and create readiness for change.
In comparison to previous survey research in Northeastern states, Missouri leaders reported greater flexibility but less proficiency in certain competency components. This benchmarking helps pinpoint priority areas for growth through targeted professional development.
Next steps toward becoming a leading state in competency-based education
As the SRSN moves forward, routinely administering the survey will generate crucial data for improvement. Tracking changes in agreement levels will pinpoint what competency strategies gain traction versus where more leadership and training are required. Adding teacher and student surveys will contribute indispensable on-the-ground insights.
By continually listening and responding to the voices of educators and students, the SRSN can provide the timely resources needed to advance competency education. This research-powered approach will enable Missouri to lead in mastery-based innovation. It also will generate scalable models to help fulfill the promise of competency education nationwide.
The path ahead holds great promise, with the SRSN survey serving as a valuable starting point and ongoing feedback loop. We continue step by step, empowered by data to work toward equitable student success defined by growth and mastery!
Interested in more from Marzano Research about finding classroom solutions that improve results for teachers and students? Visit our Classroom Practice page.
