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Aurora Institute

Issue Brief

Statement of Principles for Model Legislation in States

Author(s): iNACOL

Organization(s): iNACOL

Issue(s): State Policy, Base Learning on Mastery Not Seat Time, Fund Innovation, Create Enabling Conditions for Competency-Based Education

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Globally, the highest performing nations have competency-based education systems – not systems based on seat time. iNACOL believes in student-centered learning and makes policy recommendations based on doing what is right for kids to have greater access to a world-class education. Authors of this report encourage legislators to adopt the following principles into their education policy:

  • Shift to competency-based education from seat-time.
  • Increase access for each student and permit the entire continuum of student-centered, online and blended learning.
  • Design outcomes-based accountability and funding incentives.
  • Increase access to excellent, effective teachers.
  • Provide room for innovation.

This report summarizes recommendations for policymakers to transform education into highly personalized, competency-based systems.