Proficiency-Based Education

Gary Obermeyer, Saturday Feb 06, 2010, 06:00 pm

The Business Education Compact, based in Beaverton, Oregon is doing some interesting work with proficiency-based education under their Teacher Development Initiative.  They are literally helping schools and school systems break out of time- and seat-based schooling all across the Oregon. (more)

I met with Tamra Busch-Johnson, the Executive Director of the Business Education Compact.  We met initally way back when she was president of the Beaverton Education Association (a suburb of Portland), but we haven't talked in many years... about the time that she was hired to initiate the Business Education Compact.  Their work started with teacher internships in local businesses.  My how they have grown!  BEC is now a state-wide venture.

Venture (and maybe adventure) is a good word to use with the BEC.  I'm most excited about their Teacher Development Initiative and the work they are doing with Proficiency-Based Education.  As I mentioned in the lead, they are helping schools and school systems break out of time- and seat-based schooling. 

According to Tamra, this close working relationship between business & school people has opened the door to conversations about transforming the accountability system as well (developing assessment capacity at the local level and focusing state-level resources on assuring validity of the local judgments).

You can bet I'm going to follow the work of the BEC.

Are you aware of any similar initiatives in your area?

Gary

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