Del Lago Academy

Competency X is an assessment approach for workforce-informed performance tasks designed to broaden access to college and career opportunities. The “X” is how learners choose to curate evidence of their learning and reflect on how it represents success with competencies, and their learning is recognized through a series of badges. Students can use the badges to set personal learning goals and plot out flexible pathways to access opportunities linked with the badges. Students curate evidence of their learning in a digital portfolio and reflect on how they represent success with competencies. Digital badges are awarded when students meet specific criteria that are validated by industry and college partners. Students use digital badges to access internships, to do more intentional skill development work within internships, and to earn college credit. The badges have been developed collaboratively with students, teachers, practicing scientists, local colleges, and the regional biotech industry association.

Prototypes & Artifacts

Extensive Practical Resources on Competency X!

Examples of the Badges:

• Experimenting
• Analyzing
• Communicating

Student Work Sample (evidence required to earn one of the badges)

Presentations of Learning

Website

• http://www.competencyx.com (includes the badges and a variety of resources)

Media

• Badges Showcase Students' Skills (San Diego Tribune, May 20, 2016)
• Students Will Earn "Digital Badges"Demonstrating New Science Skills (Ed Source, May 23, 2016)
• Why We Use Digital Badges at Del Lago Academy (Getting Smart, March 23, 2017)
• Students as Innovators and Co-Creators at Del Lago Academy (Ed Week, February 8, 2018)
• Business Partners Define Badges for San Diego Students (Getting Smart, May 3, 2018)
• How Performance-Based Assessments Designed by Student Interns Promote Interest-Based Skill Development (Ed Week, May 22, 2018)

Presentations

• Think Outside the Bubble, iNACOL 2017
• Summer 2016 Badge Creation Institute (a multimedia documentation of how the badges were born)
• Student Evaluation of Competency X

Prototypes & Artifacts

• Metacognitive Reflection Rubric
• Internship Badge Planning Template

Student Voices

Presentation of Learning