Why this experienced teacher believes in Mastery Education

Idaho

Thanks to advances in technology and new student-centered models of teaching and learning, we now have the tools to meet the needs of every learner!

Innovation

Today’s post is by Kelly Brady, the Director of Mastery Education for the Idaho State Department of Education. Mastery Education, also known as competency-based education, is an approach to learning that allows to students to advance as they master course material.

Read Kelly’s second post on how Idaho is making Master Education a reality here.

Idaho STEM Students Competition

Idaho students from the Boise District compete in the annual Micron Math Meet.  

In my thirty years as an educator, I had the privilege of working with a wide range of learners in many different settings. I worked in public and private schools, with highly-gifted students and special education students, and in wealthy areas and areas of high-poverty. Yet in all those classrooms, one thing held universally true: kids learn best when their individual learning needs are met.

Good teachers know how to personalize instruction based on what they’ve learned about each student. The best way to motivate students is to get to know them personally by building relationships that reveal their unique learning needs. But it’s impossible to do that all the time, for every kid, in every lesson. Until now.

Thanks to advances in technology and new student-centered models of teaching and learning, we now have the tools to meet the needs of every learner! My role as Director of Mastery Education in Idaho is to get these tools into the hands of teachers and school/district leaders so they can customize learning for every student.

Why am I excited about Mastery Education?

In Idaho, we define Mastery Education as a system of personalized, differentiated learning where students progress based upon a demonstration of mastery of competencies and content, not seat time or the age or grade level of the student. Other states call this competency-based, proficiency-based or mastery-based learning.

A big part of my role is to share the potential of Mastery Education to better prepare our students for college, career and life in the 21st century with people around the state. A set of better, deeper outcomes for students is just one of the many things that has motivated our schools and districts to embrace Mastery Education, and there are several others.

When I’m out talking to schools across the state, I describe how Mastery Education:

The mastery-based approach is validated by the way parents articulate what they want for their kids. Parents want their kids to be motivated to learn and engaged in meaningful learning beyond just acquiring a set of skills. Mastery Education is a system that encourages just that!

Next week, Kelly will share how Idaho is making Master Education a reality.

Kelly BradyKelly Brady is the Director of Mastery Education for the Idaho State Department of Education.  Brady’s mission is to support Idaho schools beginning the transition to a Mastery Education system where student progress is based upon a student’s demonstration of mastery of competencies and content, not seat time, age or grade level of the student. 

Prior to joining the SDE in October, Brady spent 30 years educating in classroom with K-8 students in both private and public schools.  She devoted her last thirteen years, teaching in a unique program for highly gifted students. This program allowed students to progress through curriculum at an accelerated/flexible pace in conjunction with the development of appropriate social and emotional intelligence. The school day was structured around the student’s needs, preferences, and strengths. With her vast experience, Brady believes that all students deserve the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.

Brady graduated from Boise State University, where she received a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instructions.  She also has a K-12 Gifted and Talented Endorsement and PCI Parent Coach Certification®.  Brady lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband Tim where they love to ride bikes and spend time with their four grandchildren. 

Solution Areas:

Next Generation Learning

Topics:

Personalized Learning

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