Competency-based education, also referred to as mastery-based, proficiency-based or performance-based education, is a system of education designed to equitably ensure all students develop the success skills they will need for college, career and life. Competency-based education is gaining momentum and visibility. Districts and schools turn to…

Self-efficacy in school leaders is critical: Without a strong sense of purpose and focus, school leaders will fail at performing the difficult task that it takes to ensure student success and school performance. Competence without confidence may lead to school leaders who are hesitant, full of self-doubt, and inconsistent with their decisions. For…

Describes a program in which student promotion is based on achievement. Standardized test scores have risen as a result of the program. (IRT)

The Learning for Mastery approach is clearly more effective than traditional instruction, but individualized programs are better than group-based ones. Students master more objectives with mastery learning because their level of participation is higher. (Author)

This document presents information on one school district's approach to the introduction of success-based instruction. The first section defines success-based instruction, also called "predictable learner mastery" (PLM) and the requirements for having an operational system. The second section compares mastery learning with the PLM system…

In Denver, principals train and supervise their teachers as they plan and teach mastery learning units. (Author/JM)

Administrators in Red Bank, New Jersey, are confident that mastery learning is the key to their students' higher achievement. (Author)

One purpose of this paper is to describe how the concept of statewide minimum standards has been used in other states and to suggest precisely how it should be used in New Jersey. Current New Jersey law requires districts to establish pupil proficiency levels in basic skills, to identify children who fall below them, and to provide those children…

Historically ranked low on student performance, the New Orleans schools are fighting back with a new program called the Secondary Curriculum Improvement Program. (Author/JM)

One hundred twenty-five students found to have few areas of skill mastery were selected to form the Fresh Start Minischool (FSMS). The Fresh Start approach was characterized by individualized instruction in four academic areas (Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Science). Students proceeded at their own pace and acquired skills according to…

This year-end evaluation report of the Chapter 1 Early Childhood Education (Preschool) Program in Portland (Oregon) Public Schools is a narrative supplement to the statistical forms used by Chapter 1 Education Consolidation Improvement Act (ECIA) evaluation and is organized into six sections: (1) introduction; (2) description of the program,…

Chicago's mastery learning program takes into account the complexities of reading and the realities of urban classrooms. Its designers say that if a program does not lead to success, it is not a mastery learning program. (Author/JM)

The purpose of the Fresh Start Minischool (FSMS) was to provide instruction to students entering high school with deficient mathematics and reading skills. Students worked at their own pace on sequenced learning tasks in social studies, mathematics, communication, and science. Additional program components included counseling and staff…

A remedial biology course that employed six planned strategies to guide program activity is described. Team planning and team teaching, mastery learning, process skill emphasis, technology emphasis, positive reinforcement grading, attendance incentives, student achievement, student attitudes, parent attitudes, and implications are topics of…

In spite of the brief duration of the Mastery Learning Program at Durham College, this final report on the activities and outcomes of the project reveals several positive effects upon students and faculty. The report begins by providing background data on the college, an independent junior college serving a population of economically disadvantaged…