Ready to implement competency-based learning? We're here to help.

CBL Journey Programs:
A clear path, proven tools, and expert guidance for the journey.

Not sure how to get started, or where to go from here? You're in the right place. CBL Partners has teamed up with Building 21– an innovative nonprofit with over a decade of experience implementing competency-based learning– to bring you a unique set of programs to help you lead with confidence and success.

Stage 1: CBE Foundations

Explore the principles and practices of competency-based education with your team. Draw inspiration, calibrate, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Stage 2: Design & Build

Develop the vision, strategy, model, and roadmap for competency-based transformation in your unique context. Design and begin implementing an aligned professional learning plan.

Stage 3: Launch & Iterate

Move from vision to action–whether through an early adopter model, or full-scale implementation–while embedding action research cycles to learn, adapt, and improve.

Stage 4: Refine & Systematize

Fully systematize your learning, assessment, and advancement model through strategic use of technology, advanced policy and system decisions, and data systems and routines to support continuous improvement.
Connect with us >>

Join our Smart Start Program

Let's take the next important step toward your vision for change. 
Choose outcomes that align to your priorities or existing strategic plan, and we'll develop a custom program to meet your needs and monitor progress, every step of the way.
Here's how it works:

Focused outcomes become the through-line for effective change efforts.
We start with a clear vision for success, framed in terms of measurable, observable change. Put another way, "What specific change will we observe if this goes as planned?" Here are several examples of areas for defining specific outcomes:
Student Engagement
We need help ensuring all learners feel a sense of belonging, an appropriate level of challenge, and a high level of interest in the content. 
Competency Growth
We need help ensuring all learners have access to high-quality instruction, meaningful practice, and authentic transfer opportunities that move the needle on developing the skill-sets that matter most to our vision for learning.
Student Agency
We need support ensuring learners have authentic opportunities to develop as self-directed learners, critical thinkers, and community members with hard-earned sense of self-efficacy.
Something else?
Choose a different student outcome, or an outcome related to systems change, that meets your needs and priorities.

A strategic focus sets the stage for impactful intervention.
Your strategic focus will be based on your unique goals, context, and opportunities. This might be a specific practice (e.g., "Improve the quality of feedback"), a specific design, (e.g., "Improve the systems that ensure ongoing feedback and revision are improving learning), or a powerful pairing of each. Below are a few examples of strategic focus areas.

*Our complete Design/Practice Intervention Sets are available to all program partners.
Curriculum Design & Planning
Let's focus on specific changes to how we design and plan curriculum to optimize relevance and scaffolding.
Feedback & Revision Practices
Let's calibrate all faculty on quality feedback, and its role in the revision process.
Flexible, Responsive Environments
Let's reimagine our learning spaces, norms, and rituals to strengthen learner's sense of belonging, connection, and ability to self-direct.
Equitable Grading Practices
Let's critically examine and redesign our grading practices and policies to ensure they align to a clear purpose, our core values, and insights from current research.

A clear and achievable plan, with the support you need to make it happen.  
Your custom program plan will serve as the roadmap for a successful change initiative, and including the built-in supports for the journey, including: leadership coaching, professional learning experiences, high-quality implementation resources, and ongoing action research so we can study progress along the way.
Let's Connect >>
Explore Services >>

Testimonials

FROM THE FIELD

If I were starting a competency-based school or program, Sydney Schaef is the first person I would call.

I will never forget traveling throughout Idaho to visit schools several years ago after the state launched their new Mastery Learning initiative. I couldn't believe the depth of conversations we were having, and I couldn't believe the acceleration of their design and implementation efforts. When I asked, "Where did you learn this?" Everyone I spoke to replied the same: "Sydney!"

I've watched her work over the years–from early startup in Philadelphia alongside Building 21, to providing leadership TA for school leaders and state leaders alike while at reDesign. She has real expertise and knows what it's like to be shoulder-to-shoulder in the work.

Chris Sturgis
Co-founder, CompetencyWorks
FROM THE FIELD

Sydney is a trusted and respected partner for developing graduate profile competencies.

Her deep insights into personalized, competency based learning and strong research background ensure that every element is tailored to the specific needs of the partner organization.

Additionally, Sydney couples her technical expertise with a commitment to incorporating student and teacher voice in the design of robust resources to ensure a learner-centered approach to professional development.

Stephanie DiStasio
South Carolina Department of Education
TESTIMONIALS

Sydney made all the difference for our faculty as we opened our competency-based high school. 

Sydney has an extraordinary ability to connect with teachers from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Sydney brought a wealth of knowledge, drawn from her background and research. But more than that, she brought her full self to every workshop – whether online or in person. She listened deeply, and scaffolded training to suite our distinct school culture and vision.

Sydney’s charisma, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to equity and student agency shone through in every interaction. She is detail-oriented and an amazing multitasker. She continually updated our documents and slide decks in real time, refining and reflecting our ideas back to us with precision and clarity.

Sydney has been a sincere partner with us in our journey to CBE. She aligned with our values and we are all the better for the opportunity to work with her.

Michael Prater
Director of HS Education, Tessellations

We can't wait to hear from you.

Send us a message and we'll be in touch shortly.
Thank you for reaching out!
CBL Partners specializes in competency-based learning solutions, powering equity and excellence in K-12 education and beyond.

Quick Links

Our Programs Our Services The CBL Method Insights Contact

Stay Connected

© CBL Partners 2024
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
TERMS OF SERVICE
PRIVACY POLICY