What is Competency Based Learning?

Nova’s teaching and learning system differs from traditional schools.  The student and their teachers collaborate to define the student’s specific interests and develop expectations for fulfilling competencies based on those interests.

Instead of measuring student knowledge on the basis of teacher-assigned tests, homework, and reports, the student and teacher work together to define and assess mastery so that the credits earned correlate with the student’s understanding and application of the key concepts and skills covered in the class.

Competencies fall into 4 categories: skills, content, conceptual/critical thinking, and community. Our teachers consistently differentiate for all learners in their classes so that every student is challenged to engage and deepen their thinking and their work. Our curriculum is developed by our teachers based on our curricular philosophy and is rooted in state and national standards.

Nova uses performance and portfolio assessment to gauge the level and depth of student work.  Students must meet or exceed the competencies in a course and obtain at least the equivalent of a traditional “B” grade in a class to earn credit. This is recorded as a “Pass” on their transcripts.

To learn more, please check out How Nova Works for more information.