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Just like you, we are change-makers at heart.

We're educators and researchers, authors and designers, parents and community members who believe K-12 transformation is possible.

We don't think of competency-based education as the end goal. We think of it as the enabling architecture for human-centered and effective learning, at scale.
Purple brandmark for CBL Partners, a competency-based learning consultancy

CBL Partners is a design, professional development, and communications consultancy committed to future-ready learning for all.

Meet our Team.

Portrait of Sydney Schaef, Founder of competency-based learning consultancy, CBL Partners, and expert in competency-based education, who is shown smiling and wearing square-framed dark orange glasses and a cream-colored sweater with thin horizontal stripes, each a different color: faded peach, red, blue, green, indigo, black, sky blue, mustard orange, and brown. Background is blurred white.

Sydney Schaef

Founder, Executive Director
Designer, social entrepreneur, mom of two—rooted in Pennsylvania, growing ideas (and vegetables) that turn research into real-world change.
Portrait of Jen Soalt, with a closed-mouth smile, shoulder-length brown hair, a dark grey top, and a blurred white background.

Jen Soalt

Sr. Curriculum Designer & Researcher
Literacy expert, curriculum guru, and writer working at the intersection of language, equity, and joyful learning.
CBL Partners Media. Image of SEL and Wellness Consultant, Erica Dolland.

Erica Dolland

SEL & Wellness Consultant
Whole-child educator, global learner, and SEL designer rooted in connection, equity, and a killer sewing machine.

Andrea Avery

Sr. Education Consultant & Editor
Education creative, published author, and cat mom who designs human-centered schools—and collects Bundt pans and beautiful ideas.

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

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CBL Partners specializes in competency-based learning solutions, powering equity and excellence in K-12 education and beyond.

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