Competencies emphasize the application of learning. A high quality competency-based approach will require students to apply skills and knowledge to new situations to demonstrate mastery and to create knowledge. Competencies will include academic standards as well as lifelong learning skills and dispositions:

★ Competencies and learning objectives are designed so that demonstration of mastery includes application of skills and knowledge.

★ Assessment rubrics are explicit in what students must be able to know and do to progress to the next level of study.

★ Examples of student work that demonstrate skills development throughout a learning continuum will help students understand their own progress.

★ Lifelong learning skills designed around students needs, life experiences, and the skills needed for them to be college and career ready.

★ Expanded learning opportunities are developed as opportunities for students to develop and apply skills as they are earning credit.