Overview
For over a decade, Vermont educators and state leaders have been working to establish competency-based education in schools, including high schools. In 2013, the state launched the Flexible Pathways Initiative to help school systems adopt personalized, competency-based learning, while also expanding work-based learning opportunities. This includes the development of a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for every student. To further support the goals of the Flexible Pathways Initiative and the shift to personalized, competency-based learning, the state adapted its graduation requirements so that students earn credit based on demonstrations of proficiency, not just seat time. State leaders also published the Vermont Work-Based Learning Manual Guidelines to provide school systems with guidance on connecting students with high-quality work-based learning opportunities as part of the Flexible Pathways options.
Building on this strong foundation, state leaders can advance high school redesign efforts by launching a statewide initiative with dedicated resources to incentivize community-led high school redesign, expanding access to advanced coursework, and more closely aligning diplomas with postsecondary admissions requirements.
