The University of Texas System will be the first in the nation to launch a personalized, competency-based education program system-wide aimed at learners from high school through post-graduate studies.
What sets the UT System approach apart from other competency-based programs is a focus on offering personalized and adaptive degrees and certificates that are industry-aligned and – via technology developed by the UT System – can systematically improve success, access and completion rates in areas of high employment demand.
“Competency-based programs allow students to advance through courses, certifications and degrees based on their ability to master knowledge and skills rather than time spent in a classroom,” said Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D. “All students are held to clearly defined and rigorous expectations, but each follows a customized path to success that responds and adapts based on individual learning strengths, challenges and goals. And students can earn credit for prior learning and move at their own speed.”
The UT System’s groundbreaking competency-based initiative is being developed by its Institute for Transformational Learning in partnership with UT institutions and top faculty experts. Established by the UT System Board of Regents in 2012 and funded with $50 million, the Institute for Transformational Learning’s mandate is to drive student success and access through the innovative use of technology.
Full content at: http://www.utsystem.edu/news/2014/11/03/university-texas-system-makes-bold-move-competency-based-education
Do check out this U.S. Dept. of Education page for a comprehensive list of other competency-based programs and initiatives - http://www.ed.gov/oii-news/competency-based-learning-or-personalized-learning
~ Priyanka Sharma
SME, Postsecondary Completion