A Leader's Guide to Competency-Based Education

"More than a community of practice, the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) has functioned as an ongoing action-based research project to progressively and reflectively study the problems of developing competency-based education within current educational structures and advancing practical and effective solutions for its community. The authors of this book, hands-on leaders of the C-BEN network from the start, are sharing these lessons learned within a practical framework for application in a realistic, current-day context. This book is a go-to resource for those charged with developing or advancing a successful CBE program at their institution."

Deb Adair, Executive Director of Quality Matters

"A Leader's Guide is the first book of its kind to offer institutional and program leaders the type of clear, practical advice needed to design, implement, and sustain a competency-based education program in today's higher education environment. The authors address some of the most pressing questions we hear from practitioners on an almost daily basis, including how to best structure the student learning journey, leverage the expertise of faculty and learning support staff, and navigate an often complex regulatory and accreditation environment. It's a must read for new and experienced CBE educators alike."

Kelle Parsons and Matthew Soldner

American Institutes for Research

"Thank you Deb Bushway, Laurie Dodge, and Charla Long! A Leader’s Guide to Competency-Based Education is a much needed resource for any college or university seeking to understand competency-based education. A fully developed competency-based program offers so much more than just flexible pacing or possible reduced costs. It offers to make a credential meaningful and fully prepare our workforce for the demands of today’s economy. With this book in hand, higher education leaders will get the guidance they need to get started on creating a competency-based program that will work for their institution, students and industry partners."

Chris Sturgis, Co-Founder CompetencyWorks & Principal

MetisNet

“Recognizing the growing interest in competency-based education (CBE) in U.S. higher education, but also the lack of shared standards or practices around it, three experts produced this guide for other educators who are contemplating a move to (or revision of) this type of instructional program. The authors help those who are enthusiastic about CBE avoid pitfalls by offering practical guidance….The book’s best feature…is its soup-to-nuts review of issues that educators must consider when designing competency-based education. Chapters address institutional culture, program design, assessment strategies, staffing and business models, and approval seeking. Readers come away fully aware that CBE is not just a different teaching approach but a potentially radical disruption to education delivery.”

Reflective Teaching

.