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Deepening Student Learning in Three Kentucky Communities
The Aurora Institute toured three Kentucky sites in 2025 to elevate lessons from past work and to assess progress to date and goals for the future. Using document review, on-the-ground interviews, observation, and existing expertise in deeper...
The State of Competency-Based Education Policy Map
The State of Competency-Based Education Policy Map is an interactive tool developed in partnership with KnowledgeWorks. Designed to highlight state-level innovation, this map provides a comprehensive overview of how K-12 education policies...
Clearing the Path: Creating Innovation Space for Serving Over-Age, Under-Credited Students in Competency-Based Pathways
This report provides guidance on creating competency-based approaches for over-age, under-credited students that have fallen off the track toward graduation. Drawing on a wide range of expertise, this paper explores how states can create space for...
Community Schools Case Study Project
Introduction We know that there are many models of innovative learning aimed at systems transformation. This case study series aims to explore the work of community schools, who take a whole-community approach to education that aligns with the...
When Success is the Only Option: Designing Competency-Based Pathways for Next Generation Learning
This paper provides an introduction to competency-based pathways, a necessary condition to realizing the potential of next generation learning. Significantly, this report finds that competency-based pathways are re-engineering our education system...
Statement of Principles for Model Legislation in States
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...
Online Learning: Top 5 Federal Policy Issues
iNACOL released this policy brief providing federal legislators with background information and concrete, actionable recommendations on 5 key issues within student-centered, competency-based education. Online Learning: Top 5 Federal Policy Issues...
Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative Evaluation Report – Cohort 1, Year 3
The Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) evaluation report offers insights and strategies for anyone working to shift K-12 schools, districts, and states toward more student-centered, equitable, and culturally responsive approaches. The MBLC...
The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning
Online and blended learning has the potential to be a disruptive force capable of transforming today’s monolithic, factory-like education system into a new, student-centered, highly personalized model of education. Authors Michael B. Horn and...
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...
Clearing the Path for Assessment Innovation: The Role of Federal Policy
Realizing the full potential of student-centered learning requires transformation of traditional approaches to assessment and accountability. It is time for policymakers to take a fresh look at these initiatives and take steps – both near- and...