Competency Education Pilots

Competency-based programs assess and advance students based on their demonstrated mastery of skills and knowledge.

The competency-based model removes the constraints of “seat time” and allows for student-driven learning inside and outside of the classroom.  This approach can make education more relevant both to students and to employers.

• Allows for earning of credit toward graduation requirements in ways other than traditional coursework
• Incorporates real-world knowledge and challenges
• Students attain career-related competencies beyond those needed for high school graduation

The Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act was signed into law in July 2016.  Section 20 of the Act created the Competency-Based High School Graduation Requirements Pilot Program.  Illinois currently has 25 sites in the pilot program representing 47 school districts including Proviso High School District 209 and Ridgewood High School District 234.  Read “Illinois high schools test different, often controversial, approach to education,” written by Diane Rado at the Chicago Tribune dated January 16, 2018.

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat (Peoria Public School Superintendent), Dr. Patrick Hardy (Proviso East High School Principal), Domenica Ferdinardo (Ridgewood High School student), and Zaporah Price (Gwendolyn Brooks College Prepatory Academy student)