Student Pacing Based on Content Mastery

Context

Bronx Arena has built a competency-based model so that students get a personalized learning experience and are truly able to accelerate or slow down based on their optimal speed of learning. Originally, the process started with using the Common Core State Standards as compentecies. Educators and administrators realized that this language was too vague and not easily comprehensible by students. Since students own their own learning at Bronx Arena and need to be able to interact with and understand the competencies, they decided to build new ones. These new competencies are a combination of skills that have been foundational to academic success for centuries (e.g. reading, writing, arithmetic) and those that will likely be required for success in the 21st century (e.g. technology, self-management).

At Bronx Arena, students do not have to stretch themselves over six to eight classes but, instead, focus their energy on three sections: Learning Lab, a primary credit, and a secondary credit. With their flexible schedules, they can go deep into one competency for up to four hours and also have flexibility to schedule time for one-to-one conferencing and goal-setting with their teachers. This allows students to achieve a credit in as little as six weeks because their courses are customized with a pathway that meets their specific needs, based on their individual progression and goals.