Personalized Mastery-Based Learning: How to Guide

In this episode you’ll learn about a whole school that moved to personalized mastery-based learning and then you’ll meet three teachers from around the US who are implementing this in their classrooms. Every teacher will come away understanding more about the movement and how they can implement this approach for a lesson, a unit, or a whole school year.

This show will air at 4pm on Wednesday, October 2nd on WDJY FM in Atlanta- you can listen to the live stream here.

Watch the YouTube Video

Will premiere on Wednesday, October 9 at 9 am below or just subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Questions Answered on Today’s Show

What is competency-based (or mastery-based) learning? How does this look when a whole school implements it?

• Nicki Slaugh, principal of Quest Academy, explains the concept of competency-based learning and how it differs from traditional education models.
• Nicki Slaugh shares the journey of Quest Academy’s shift to a whole-school competency-based model, including the steps taken and challenges faced.

What strategies were used to improve student engagement and academic outcomes at Quest Academy?

• Nicki discusses the specific strategies implemented, such as changing the physical classroom environment, creating personalized learning paths, and shifting the focus from grades to mastery of skills.

How do teachers collaborate to set high expectations and standards in a competency-based system? What does a typical day look like in this environment?

• The discussion includes how teachers work together to develop proficiency rubrics and set clear expectations for students.
• Nicki Slaugh gives insights into what a typical day looks like in classrooms at Quest Academy under the competency-based model.

How do teachers handle students who don’t achieve mastery on their first attempt?

• Nicki explains the process for supporting students who need additional help, including the use of “Mastery Minutes” for reteaching and reassessment.

How are mastery-based learning strategies applied in different subjects (science, language arts, and math)?

• Three teachers implementing the Modern Classrooms Project—Dr. Cecelia Gillam (science), Karen MacDonald (language arts), and Joe Manfre (math)—share their subject-specific approaches to implementing mastery-based learning.

What are the common misconceptions about competency-based learning?

• Learn about misconceptions about personalized learning, such as the belief that students spend all day on computers.

How can competency-based learning be applied in classrooms that aren’t already set up for it?

• Practical tips are shared for educators who want to start using mastery-based learning, even if their schools haven’t fully adopted the model.

What are the benefits and challenges of using a competency-based approach in diverse educational settings?

• Learn how this approach can be adapted to different classrooms and student needs, and the benefits they’ve seen from using it.

Full Podcast Episode with Guests:

Nicki Slaugh – Principal, Quest Academy

In this episode, Nicki Slaugh shares how Quest Academy transformed into a whole-school competency-based learning environment, where students are empowered with personalized learning pathways and a focus on mastery. Learn how Nicki’s leadership reshaped classrooms, improved student engagement, and increased academic performance. Listen to the full episode with Nicki Slaugh: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e862

Modern Classrooms Project Webinar Guests:

• Dr. Cecelia Gillam (Science Teacher, Louisiana)
• Karen MacDonald (Language Arts Teacher, Utah)
• Joe Manfre (Math Teacher, Hawaii)
  These three educators from the Modern Classrooms Project share their experiences implementing mastery-based learning across different subjects. Discover how personalized learning and competency-based education are applied in real-world classrooms. Watch the Modern Classrooms Project webinar: https://cctea.ch/modernwebinar

Show Notes: Cool Cat Teacher Talk -Episode 4

0:00 – Introduction
Vicki Davis introduces the topic of competency-based learning and the featured guests for today’s show.

0:34 – Nicki Slaugh’s Introduction
Principal Nicki Slaugh shares her background and how she became involved in transforming Quest Academy.

1:34 – The Journey of Quest Academy
Nicki Slaugh discusses how Quest Academy transitioned to a competency-based learning model and the steps involved in the process.

3:06 – Improving Student Engagement and Outcomes
Nicki explains the strategies used to increase student engagement and improve academic results at Quest Academy.

5:06 – Setting High Expectations and Standards
How Quest Academy teachers work together to set clear and high expectations for student mastery and competency.

6:24 – A Day in a Competency-Based Classroom
Nicki describes what a typical day looks like for both teachers and students under the competency-based learning model.

7:18 – Student Empowerment Through Ownership
How students are given choices in their learning paths and take ownership of their educational journey.

11:04 – Handling Students Who Don’t Achieve Mastery
Nicki explains the process for supporting students who don’t reach mastery on their first attempt and how “Mastery Minutes” help students succeed.

18:03 – Introduction to the Modern Classrooms Project
Vicki introduces the Modern Classrooms Project and its focus on mastery-based learning.

20:07 – Dr. Cecelia Gillam on Mastery-Based Learning in Science
Dr. Gillam discusses how she implements mastery-based learning in her science classroom in Louisiana.

24:02 – Karen MacDonald on Mastery-Based Learning in Language Arts
Karen MacDonald shares her experiences with competency-based learning in her language arts classroom in Utah.

29:10 – Joe Manfre on Mastery-Based Learning in Math
Joe Manfre talks about how he uses mastery-based approaches in his math classes in Hawaii, and how students demonstrate understanding.

32:02 – Common Misconceptions About Competency-Based Learning
The teachers from the Modern Classrooms Project dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions about competency-based learning.

36:08 – Practical Tips for Applying Competency-Based Learning
The episode concludes with practical tips from the guests on how educators can begin implementing competency-based learning in their own classrooms.