Pioneers of Personalized Education
Westminster Public Schools and the Pursuit of Competency-Based Learning
About the Book
For over 16 years, Westminster Public Schools (WPS) in Colorado has led a bold and transformative journey toward implementing a competency-based education (CBE) system. Through strategic planning, continuous improvement, and an unwavering focus on personalized learning, WPS developed a learner-centered system designed to empower students through agency, ownership, and mastery of their learning.
This book serves as a roadmap for educators and leaders striving to create sustainable change in their schools and districts. It captures the district's successes, challenges, and lessons learned in areas such as scheduling, leadership development, and systemic planning. WPS’s experience demonstrates how a shared vision, second-order change, and high-reliability frameworks can drive meaningful educational reform and enhance outcomes for all students.
K–12 school and district leaders can use this book to:
Develop a sustainable framework that supports long-term growth and systemic improvement.
Reimagine schools and classrooms as student-centered spaces that prioritize engagement and authentic learning experiences.
Empower teachers, students, and the community by fostering collaboration and a shared voice in shaping educational practices.
Implement new systems for competency-based instruction, assessment, grading, and reporting.
Navigate complex transitions with a clear vision and proven strategies for second-order change.
Whether you’re beginning your journey toward CBE or refining your approach, this book offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you achieve impactful and lasting school transformation.
May 2025 Publish Date by Marzano Resources
Westminster CBS 3-Day Summit
October 6-8, 2025 | Westminster Marriott | Westminster, CO
Under the guidance of Robert J. Marzano, Westminster Public Schools (WPS) has spent the last 16 years mastering the art of Competency-Based Education. WPS is the largest district in the nation to use a Competency-Based System (CBS) throughout all of its schools and is considered an expert in the field. Every other year, WPS hosts a Competency-Based Education Summit that brings educators from across the country to Westminster to learn about CBS.
In addition to targeted breakout sessions and inspiring keynote speeches, the three-day event takes visitors inside classrooms to talk with teachers and students about CBS. For educators and administrators, attending the Summit provides a unique opportunity to hear from real people who are benefiting from this approach.