iNACOL to Host Webinar on Competency-Based Pathways

VIENNA, Va., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is hosting a webinar called "Competency-Based Pathways: Moving Away from Seat-Time Policies."

Investigation into areas of innovation in competency-based schools and district reforms suggest that competency-based pathways are, in fact, a re-engineering of our education system around learning; a re-engineering designed for success in which failure is no longer an option.

In this webinar, participants will have the opportunity to preview the publication funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation written by the presenters Patrick and Sturgis, Failure is Not an Option, set to be released in November 2010.

Sturgis noted, "Competency-based approaches build upon standards reforms, offering a new value proposition for our education system. Frequently, competency-based policy is described as simply flexibility in awarding credit or defined as an alternative to the Carnegie unit. Yet, this does not capture the depth of the transformation of our education system from a time-based system to a learning-based system."

According to Patrick, "Competency-based pathways have the potential to transform today's education and prepare students to compete in the world today. One of the biggest policy challenges for online and blended learning programs is the outdated K-12 education funding based on seat-time. To take advantage of new models of student-centered digital learning, the United States needs to explore how to change from seat-time-based policies and move toward student progress based on mastery of material."

This webinar is part of the iNACOL Leadership professional development series and will be held Wednesday, October 13th, from 2:00 - 3:00 PM (Eastern) via Elluminate. Please register online: http://www.inacol.org/events/. Pricing is available for members and nonmembers.

Press may attend free of charge by contacting Wendy Fleming.  

About iNACOL

iNACOL is the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership association based in the Washington, DC area with more than 3,300 members. iNACOL is unique in that its members represent a diverse cross-section of K-12 education from school districts, charter schools, state education agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, universities and research institutions, corporate entities and other content and technology providers (www.inacol.org). iNACOL hosts the annual Virtual School Symposium (VSS). VSS 2010 is being held Nov. 14 – 16, 2010 in Glendale, AZ (www.virtualschoolsymposium.org).

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning