Posts by: Chris Sturgis

Where’s the Research?

by Chris Sturgis

Where’s the beef?

Are you old enough to remember the Wendy’s slogan? It’s now a more general question about the value of any idea. Although I am an advocate for personalized, competency-based education, I also think we should be asking Where’s the beef? .  We need feedback to know if we are designing a system that is benefiting students…… Read More

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Ten Flaws in the Traditional System

The traditional system is simply not designed to produce the goals we have set for it, or that our children, communities and nation so desperately need and deserve. There are 10 primary flaws in the traditional system that perpetuate inequity and low achievement. They can be corrected by redesigning the system for success in which all students achieve mastery…… Read More

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Ten Distinguishing Features of Competency-Based Education

Across the country, schools, districts and states are replacing the traditional, time-based structure with one that is designed to help each student reach proficiency. Competency-based education is a system designed for equitable student achievement to ensure all learners master academic knowledge, develop the expertise to apply it to real-world problems and build the skills to be lifelong learners for future success…… Read More

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Quality Design Principle #1: Purpose-Driven

“Our community told us they wanted their children to be lifelong learners. We had to ask ourselves, what are we doing in our classrooms to help them be lifelong learners? What structures and supports do our teachers need to help develop lifelong learners? It came down to needing to have an active learning environment…… Read More

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Quality Design Principle #2: Commit to Equity

“We aren’t just trying to close the achievement gap. That’s using a deficit model. When we started designing the school, we wanted to have a place where students discover the things that make them special. In this way, we are recognizing students as assets and affirming their creativity and intelligence…something that a lot of schools fail to do.”

–….. Read More

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Quality Design Principle #3: Nurture a Culture of Learning and Inclusivity

“Kids don’t say, ‘I’m so stoked to make this standard today.’ They come to school because people care, there is meaningful and relevant curriculum and clear learning targets. We need to offer great teachers and engaging curriculum. For students below grade level, we have to get to know them really,….. Read More

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