Digital Learning Now: Element #4- Advancement

Students progress based on demonstrated competency. Actions for lawmakers and policymakers: • State requires matriculation based on demonstrated competency. • State does not have a seat-time requirement for matriculation. • State provides assessments when students are ready to complete the course or unit. Grade level promotion has historically been dictated by birthdays, attendance and minimum achievement. Instructional pacing, aimed at the middle of the class, may be too fast or too slow for some students who become frustrated, disengaged and unmotivated. Digital learning offers the potential for students to study at their own pace and advance based upon competency and mastery of the material — it is student-centered, not school-centered. In this environment, seat time requirements and the all-too-common practice of social promotion become obsolete. A student will spend as much time as necessary to gain competency. Additionally, digital learning adapts to situations where a student is ahead in one subject and behind in another. Making high stakes assessments, which are used to trigger progression, available when students are ready will accelerate student learning.