Introduction to Competency-Based Education

What if school looked different…on purpose? This microcourse will help you rethink traditional education and explore how Competency-Based Education (CBE) can transform learning. You’ll discover the core values that drive CBE, what truly makes it different, and why it’s more than just a new system—it’s a better way to serve every learner. Whether you’re just getting started or need language to bring others along, this course will ground you in the “why” behind the shift.

In this course, you will:

  • Identify and articulate the core principles of Competency-Based Education (CBE), understanding how they shape learner-centered environments and promote mastery, equity, and personalized learning.
  • Examine and reflect on the foundational values and beliefs that support CBE, evaluating how they influence instructional decisions and align with the purpose of modern education.
  • Develop strategies for implementing reflective practices and goal setting in educational settings.
  • Compare traditional education systems with Competency-Based Education models, recognizing key differences in structure, assessment, and learner progression to inform transformative shifts in your own practice.

This course is ideal for educators and school leaders seeking an introduction to competency based education. It is a standalone course with no prerequisites.

This course is offered in partnership with Learner Centered Leadership. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our privacy policy.

SCECHs Granted

3

Who should take this course?

Administrator
Community
Counselor
Families
Mentor
Support Staff
Teacher

What grade level(s) does this course apply to?

High School
Lower Elementary
Middle School
Post-Secondary
Upper Elementary

Course Partner

Course Vendor

Learner Centered Leadership