Competency-Based Education: Leadership Challenges

Abstract

Competency-based education (CBE) can help the nation meet its graduation goals and address the shortages of skilled workers that are emerging as the economy improves. Several community colleges have developed their own versions of CBE programs, and two states are instituting CBE programs statewide. College leaders report that developing CBE programs offers opportunities to personalize the educational experience for students. They also say that doing so presents challenges and highlights the barriers to individualized educational delivery imbedded in existing systems (e.g., in programs, curricula, enrollment processes, and instructional and learner supports). College leaders also say that CBE offers opportunities to develop partnerships with local business and to work with faculty in cultivating a vision for change in higher education.