Competency-Based Education and Equity
After one quarter of using a modified data wall as part of an overall competency-based approach with my Spanish 1 classes, not only has it made learning visible for the students and allowed them to assume responsibility for their own learning, but it has also helped to close opportunity gaps that lead to disparities in achievement in my own classroom. In addition to increasing the achievement of all students in the classroom by implementing best-practice instructional strategies, I also strive to provide high levels of support to ensure equitable access to a standards-based curriculum. I received an email from a textbook publisher last week that began with the text below. How did you learn to ride a bike? Did you sit in a chair while someone explained the fundamentals of bike riding, or did you go outside and give it a try? Did you get better by memorizing a set of expert techniques, or did you get a few skinned knees until you improved? Whether it’s riding a bike or learning