What Reporters Need to Know About Competency-Based Education

For years, advocates of competency-based education — awarding students college credits based on the skills and knowledge they demonstrate rather than the time spent in a classroom — have argued that the approach will enable more students to earn degrees and make college more affordable. But will this approach to education, which some say has largely centered on skills development, undermine colleges’ commitments to providing students with a broader base of knowledge? As competency-based education develops more momentum among politicians and administrators, what questions should journalists be asking?

• Laurie Dodge, Competency-Based Education Network
• Corrine Gordon, Northern Arizona University
• Matthew Soldner, American Institutes for Research
• Michael Stratford, Politico (moderator)