Eclectic Technology

As the Common Core tests becomes more of a reality there is also conversation about competency based education. We know that not all students learn at the same pace of in the same way and competency based education would address these concerns. This infographic by Mia MacMeekin provides  a great overview of the five steps to move in this direction:

* Define and state the goal.

* Design the path.

* Design authentic assessments for each competency.

* Add an array of content and discovery resources.

* Gamify the course.
Some additional information is found in the infographic.

This post explores the Matthew Effect in detail, providing the background to be able to understand how this impacts our classrooms today. After the introduction the post is split into three sections:

* How The Labels You Place On Your Students Affects Their Performance

* How Early Experiences Determine A Student's Academic Career

* The Matthew Effect In The System
This final section raises the question of the value of holding students back. The author states "The ideal solution, she proposes, is not holding kids back but collaborating with parents on the creation of an individualized learning plan for each student who needs help reading — a plan that might involve specialized instruction, tutoring, or summer school."

* Abandon the notion that it is the best and brightest who rise effortlessly to the top.