Sent to the Tampa Bay Times, March 27, 2016
The Times reports that "competency-based education" will be tested in several counties, and describes it only as a program that allows students to "advance through school if they can prove they've mastered what they should be learning."
Competency-based education is not just a testing program. It is a radical and expensive innovation that replaces regular instruction with computer "modules" that students work through on their own. It is limited to what can be easily taught and tested by computer, and is being pushed by computer and publishing companies that will make substantial profits from it.
The state government and the Times need to take a closer look.
Stephen Krashen
Original article: Re: "Competency-based education pilot program, other education measures signed into law," March 25. http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/competency-based-education-pilot-program-other-education-measures-signed/2270784
The Times reports that "competency-based education" will be tested in several counties, and describes it only as a program that allows students to "advance through school if they can prove they've mastered what they should be learning."
Competency-based education is not just a testing program. It is a radical and expensive innovation that replaces regular instruction with computer "modules" that students work through on their own. It is limited to what can be easily taught and tested by computer, and is being pushed by computer and publishing companies that will make substantial profits from it.
The state government and the Times need to take a closer look.
Stephen Krashen
Original article: Re: "Competency-based education pilot program, other education measures signed into law," March 25. http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/competency-based-education-pilot-program-other-education-measures-signed/2270784
great post
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