Students progress based on demonstrated competency.

Metrics:

  1. All students must demonstrate mastery on standards-based competencies to earn credit for a course and to advance to the succeeding course.
  2. All students are provided multiple opportunities during the year to take end-of-course exams.
  3. All students earn credits based on competency and are not required to complete a defined amount of instructional time to earn credit.
  4. All districts and approved providers in the state accept credits from all other districts and state-approved providers.

Grade level promotion has historically been dictated by birthdays, attendance and minimum achievement. Instructional pacing, aimed at the middle of the class, may be too fast or too slow for some students who become frustrated, disengaged and unmotivated.

Digital learning offers the potential for students to study at their own pace and advance based upon competency and mastery of the material — it is student-centered, not school-centered. In this environment, seat time requirements and the all-too-common practice of social promotion become obsolete. A student will spend as much time as necessary to gain competency. Additionally, digital learning adapts to situations where a student is ahead in one subject and behind in another.

Making high stakes assessments, which are used to trigger progression, available when students are ready will accelerate student learning.