Cracking the Code: Synchronizing Policy and Practice for Performance-Based Learning

Leaders and innovators in competency education convened at the 2011 Competency-Based Learning Summit to explore how state policy can loosen its regulatory handcuffs from educators attempting to move toward competency-based learning models. This paper is designed to answer the following 4 questions:

• What is performance-based learning?
• What are states doing to advance performance-based learning?
• What type of policy framework can guide state leadership in advancing a performance-based education system?
• What are the emerging issues in redesigning the education system around performance-based learning?

By drawing on insights and innovations across the country, these leaders seek to expedite the process of constructing policies that promote innovative competency-based education systems.