§ 15-795 — Declaration of purpose and policy

The legislature finds and declares that:

1. The purpose of this article is to enable all students to progress toward clearly defined learning outcomes at their own pace, allowing them to advance when they demonstrate the desired level of mastery rather than progressing based on a predetermined amount of seat time in a classroom.

2. Competency-based learning can support high-expectations outcomes such as college readiness. Competency-based learning can benefit all students, allowing additional preparation for students who are struggling to master academic content before they move to the next level while allowing those who can advance to do so when they are ready.

3. Competency-based strategies provide flexibility in the way that credit can be earned or awarded and provide students with personalized learning opportunities.

4. Competency-based systems require the clear articulation of desired learning outcomes, including the application and creation of knowledge and the development of important skills and dispositions, as well as assessments that can measure student mastery.