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OLYMPIA--January 20, 2022
The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) is excited to offer funding and support for eighteen schools across our state. These awards support mastery-based learning (MBL) - sometimes called competency-based education.
SBE invited schools to apply for the state’s new Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) over the past few months. Schools were selected through a competitive process with the goal of fully implementing this learning model over the course of a few years. Grantees will also receive professional learning from a nationally recognized provider to successfully move their instruction to align with the state’s MBL framework, which follows leading national MBL work. In total, the state budgeted $5 million to support this program.
With this support, schools will help decision makers better understand best practices, how long it takes to shift to mastery-based learning and needed resources. At the local level, this project will help participating schools not only respond to the current pandemic but also jump start a longer-term shift to transform education into a more relevant and equitable learning experience for every student.
What is Mastery-based Learning (MBL)?
MBL is an instructional approach designed to help students learn deeply and effectively. The state defined MBL in House Bill 1599 in 2019 by adopting the widely recognized definition from the field. Classrooms using MBL have these in common:
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Student agency. Students help direct their own learning. MBL values the knowledge, skills, and interests of every student.
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Relevance. Students are empowered to make interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary connections and use their learning in many ways. Learning is relevant and engaging for students and can be applied outside of the classroom.
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Differentiation. Students receive help based on their individual interests and needs. Students move forward at their own pace. This is especially important as students recover from learning disruptions caused by COVID-19.
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Inclusion. Students experience compassion and belonging. MBL honors the unique contributions of every student and the knowledge they bring from their diverse cultures and communities.
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Innovative assessment tools. Students demonstrate mastery of skills or concepts through tests, portfolios, projects, or other demonstrations. Students and educators are encouraged to try new tools. Assessments are aligned to standards and allow students to show what they know as well as provide valuable feedback on the areas in which students need to deepen their learning.
Schools in the following districts have been awarded funds to pursue mastery-based learning:
- Auburn School District
- Elma School District
- Enumclaw School District
- Franklin Pierce School District
- Highline Public Schools
- La Conner School District
- Moses Lake School District
- Northshore School District
- Olympia School District
- Quincy School District
- Raymond School District
- South Kitsap School District
- Tumwater School District
- West Valley School District (#208)
Find the complete list of schools, as well as more information about mastery-based learning, available on the SBE website.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Davidsmeyer
stephanie.davidsmeyer@k12.wa.us.
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