October 21, 2022
CompetencyXChange Agenda Discusses How Competencies as Currency Help Learners Tap into Opportunity
D During the annual meeting of the Competency-Based Education Network, a new report outlining the potential for scaling competencies as the currency of learning and equitable opportunity was released. The CompetencyXChange Agenda outlines action steps for positioning competencies as a currency of equitable economic opportunity and increasing adoption of high-quality competency-based learning solutions.
The agenda's vision is to meet the country's talent needs by ensuring all learners have the opportunity to earn credentials that demonstrate mastery of the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to thrive in their chosen career. The report was developed by higher education and workforce development leaders.
The agenda uses five design principles and focuses on seven core areas: policy, quality assurance, employers, providers, education technology, research, and community.
…all learners require a more equitable and better path forward, and competency-based learning can open doors to a much broader range of learners…
C-BEN President Charla Long explained why competencies are valuable as currency: "This is a vision of what higher education should and can do right now. All learners require a more equitable and better path forward, and competency-based learning can open doors to a much broader range of learners."
More than 39 million Americans have started college but never completed a degree or other credential. Many have gained knowledge, skills, and career-relevant behaviours on the job, but they lack a good way to convert those into credentials that will help them advance in their careers.
However, colleges and universities across the country have begun to embrace competency-based education (CBE), which is learning that focuses on what students know and can do rather than the amount of time they spend in class.
AIR research, 82% of institutions expect CBE programmes to grow over the next five years. At present, 600 two- and four-year institutions offer 1,000 CBE-based programmes.
A team of national leaders who share deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to equity comprise the visionary group behind CompetencyXChange and the agenda.
The CompetencyXChange Agenda invites colleges and other postsecondary providers, businesses, and non-profits to join the movement to champion the adoption and scaling of competency-based solutions.
Posted in News and tagged News, CompetencyXChange, Competency-Based Education Network, Competency-Based Learning Solutions, Agenda
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