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Seat time (60 hours= credit) no longer exists because our state recognizes time does not ensure learning has happened, nor can it measure it. Mastery over competencies and content through evidence inside a portfolio is one way schools are breaking time. We also toss out the seat. Learning only in a classroom limit what is possible and creates a disconnect from the whole student to their whole life.
Portfolios to Progress
State Law
Learning Anywhere
How do we break time = learning? Portfolios.
How do we break time = learning? Portfolios.
Probably the most unique and best ways we have flipped the switch on time is portfolios. Students are no longer freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. They are learners and have four buckets to fill with their learning experience evidences. Watch the video from Building 21 on portfolios as evidence of mastery.
"A portfolio is an body of evidence that shows mastery"
A note about language: There is NO such thing as age based portfolios (freshmen portfolio).
About our Portfolios
About our Portfolios
Students have four buckets (portfolios) to fill on their way to show they're next step ready. Students begin in portfolio 1 and end in portfolio 4. The requirements for a portfolio get harder over time and increase in frequency. The goal is that each student demonstrates the Building 21 framework competencies and skills many times over these four portfolios. When they begin, students are in the pink portfolio 1 and when they graduate, they will be in the blue portfolio 100% completed.
Students have four buckets (portfolios) to fill on their way to show they're next step ready. Students begin in portfolio 1 and end in portfolio 4. The requirements for a portfolio get harder over time and increase in frequency. The goal is that each student demonstrates the Building 21 framework competencies and skills many times over these four portfolios. When they begin, students are in the pink portfolio 1 and when they graduate, they will be in the blue portfolio 100% completed.
How are we allowed to do this?
How are we allowed to do this?
The state of Idaho has eliminated "seat time" with legislation that supports Mastery education. It reads,
"The legislature finds that moving toward mastery-based education where students progress as they demonstrate mastery of a subject or grade level is in the best interest of Idaho students. The legislature further finds that moving from the current time-based system to a mastery-based approach will allow for more personalized and differentiated learning; create a focus on explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower students; and emphasize competencies that include application and knowledge along with skill development."
How can we see learning happening outside the classroom?
How can we see learning happening outside the classroom?
The exhibition of learning can also happen anywhere. This was our first year of showcases for learning. Students were asked in a PBL project to educate our community about our school since we are so unique. Students created poems, PowerPoints, and posters to demonstrate their learning from the first quarter and invited parents, community members to learn about our school. The turn out was encouraging. We have had three more showcases of learning!
We have learned so much from our first few showcases. Learning can happen:
in the hallway after hours
at the café down the street sharing art and poetry
the conference center downtown sharing a story
at a nursing home teaching them about exercises they can do everyday
the capital, showing support for schools
the snowy mountains gathering data for a science experiment
Learning happens everywhere.
Where are we now?
We are still learning about the ways time is looked at as the end all, be all of learning. For example, our PE classes have been based on the 60 hour rule. However, this year (2023-2024) will be our first year outside of time based credits.
We are abandoning...
We are abandoning...
time-based crediting
an experience = credit(s)
We are strengthening...
We are strengthening...
continua-based ratings and feedback so we no longer need to rely on time
We are newly embracing...
We are newly embracing...
PE Competencies
Showcases and Exhibitions of Learning
See how we are embracing learner-centered systems with our links below:
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