Competency-Based Education (CBE)

The Kearsarge Regional School District has committed to developing a system of Competency-Based Education (CBE), Kindergarten through 12th grade.   Competency-Based Education (CBE) emphasizes learning, not only academic knowledge but also skills and dispositions. These include transferable learning skills, such as problem solving and effective reasoning, that enable learners to perform effectively in different settings and apply knowledge and skills to different tasks.

In practical terms, CBE is based on the idea that we want students to demonstrate their learning (knowledge and skills) in authentic, real world contexts.  We want students to use their learning, apply it in different ways, and to take ownership of it.  We believe that CBE offers a better way for students to learn.  There will still be written tests, just like there are still tests in the real world, but there will be other opportunities for students to apply and show their competence.

The competency statements represent key concepts, skills, and knowledge in each course. The learning targets identify what the teacher will look for, written as “I can” statements, for students to demonstrate each competency.  The KRMS faculty have collaborated in content teams, and with high school teachers, to ensure that all of the State content standards are integrated into the competencies.  The result is an aligned and articulated curriculum that will be available for students, parents, and community members to see and review.

KRMS implemented a CBE system during the 2024-2025 school year.  Your student may already be familiar with some of the competencies and learning targets as teachers have been piloting them throughout the year as they develop and refine them.  Many of the assessments that your child has taken during the year have also been based on the competencies, but have been graded in the traditional way.

Students will receive feedback on their learning (grades) which is based on the learning targets and specific to each assessment. This feedback allows students to understand what they have done well and areas to improve. Feedback to students will be in the form of a rubric with scores ranging from one to four for each learning target, along with written feedback to help students take steps to grow and improve.