Source: Digital Access Key Image; Morgue File; http://mrg.bz/xJqkIW
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you are having a wonderful day today. Today we're going to be focusing in on analyzing standards based and competency based instruction.
For today's lesson, I've chosen a quote by Albert Einstein which states, "It is not that I am so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer." and I think that's a wonderful way to describe the way in which we are pushing forward these standards and the competency that we want our students learning, to really stay with and stick with those questions to really help increase our knowledge.
By the end of the lesson, you are going to be able to define standards based instruction and competency based instruction. You're going to be able to review tips and best practices for each, as well as explain how these standards are different from traditional education models. First, let's take a look at the definitions between standards based instruction and competency based instruction.
Standards, in this situation, are what students should be able to do, really looking at objectives that are aligned and based on learning progressions, students working toward that mastery. Typically, these are measured throughout the year. Standards are written as end of the year statements. What can I do by the end of this year?
Whereas competencies are skills that are measured by mastery, looking at the levels. And they are written in much smaller, as in the moment, chunks. So although students are expected to show proficiency in both, standards are covered in a progression with a final mastery by the end of the year, whereas competencies are measured bit by bit by bit.
Let's take a look at the instruction, the differences in the instruction. Standards based instruction, as you can see through the definition of standards, are objectives that are aligned to standards and based on learning progressions. Students are working towards that mastery.
There are many different digital learning tools that are based on that student paced mastery. You can look at Khan Academy, Common Core Pathways, and many, many others that really focus on the student working through it at their own pace. Competency based instruction where these various elements are aligned to the standards. These are skill based, right?
And it's important to notice that competency based instruction is broken down into two major schools of thought. The first is the Christiansen model where the student reaches the mastery and then moves on to the next element. And the deeper learning model, where a student reaches mastery and then goes deeper to grapple with authentic problems. They're very similar. But there is a bit of a difference between the two.
Next, let's look at some tips and best practices. Using formative assessments on a regular basis is key to both of the standards here. We're really looking at students measuring what they've learned along the way. Whether you're focusing in on bit by bit chunks, or what they need to know by the end of the year, it's important that students are clear on where they are at each moment in time, and those formative assessments, as opposed to a summative assessment, really help students work on that pacing.
Another best practice is that both students and teachers own the data. This can also be referred to as really making learning visible, helping to bring that element to life. Students and teachers are able to acknowledge where they are in the material and where they need to go, so that there's really a sense of ownership over that education.
Finally, it's important that teachers really shift the strategies and focus when the data indicates a need. If we're looking at an area where a student is just struggling, we need to be able to shift and focus, adjust the strategies of education so that students are able to pick up in that area of need. Now let's focus in on the way that standards based and competency based instruction is different from traditional education.
First, within standards based instruction, you'll look at, in the past, really since the '90s, most education has been standards based. Now the standards are fewer. They're a little bit higher, so the rigor is higher. They are clearer, and they include thinking practices as opposed to just content-specific information.
When we're looking at competency based instruction, you'll notice that a lot of emphasis is put on what's called a mastery of learning. It's really self-paced, master and move on, as well as that deeper learning, mastering and engaging with authentic problem-based learning.
It's also important to note here that we have added standards for mathematical practice the next generation science standard practices, and the historical thinking practices. Although we don't have a national curriculum, this is the first time in US history that more states rather than not have the same math and English language arts standards. This really helps to align our entire nation, focusing in on that similar information.
Now that we've reached the end of the lesson, you are able to define the standards based instruction and competency based instruction. You're able to review tips and best practices. And you're able to explain how these standards are different from more traditional education models.
Now I'd like to take just a moment for reflection. Now that you have learned all about how to analyze standards based and competency based instruction, what do you think is going to be most difficult in helping to ensure that you are following those best practices as you begin using standards based instruction in grading and competency based instruction in your classroom?
Now, to dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure that you check out the additional resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find the links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material.
(00:00-00:38) Intro
(00:39-00:57) Objectives
(00:58-03:18) Definitions
(03:19-04:43) Best Practices
(04:44-06:13) Comparison to Traditional Education
(06:14-06:31) Review
(06:32-07:31) Reflection
In ‘Flipped’ Classrooms, a Method for Mastery
NY Times Blog by TINA ROSENBERG - The Flipped Classroom as a Mastery Learning Model - This article connects flipped learning and mastery.Through the use of flipped lesson, the author demonstrates how the teacher can focus on personalized instruction and mastery in the classroom. She provides useful examples of what a mastery based flipped classroom would look like and suggestions to achieve such an environment.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/23/in-flipped-classrooms-a-method-for-mastery/?_r=0
Hattie Ranking: Influences And Effect Sizes Related To Student Achievement
Official John Hattie Website on Making Learning Visible. This website offers a clear overview of the effect size of research-based instructional strategies on student achievement. In addition to the breakdown on effect size, the site includes videos explaining effect size and strategies, as well as interviews with and presentations by John Hattie.
http://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/
Making Learning Visible
This is the official website of making learning visible.
http://www.mlvpz.org/
Dr. Douglas Reeves - Toxic Grading Practices
Reeves explains the problem with using a 0 in classroom grading practices and provides practical strategies for alternatives to using a 0. This is a must see video for any educator considering changing the culture of grades in their classroom.
http://www.teachertube.com/video/dr-douglas-reeves-toxic-grading-practices-29656