Four Smith-Cotton High School students recently addressed the Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education on their experiences and research into competency-based education.

At their meeting last week, board members heard from two juniors and two seniors about how competency-based education is preparing them for their future careers, and their efforts to educate the public on the model. Supt. Dr Todd Fraley says the model takes a different approach in assessing what students have learned and how they’re applying that knowledge.

Smith-Cotton is in the process of expanding its use, with its use becoming standard in all classes within two years. Fraley says a similar approach is already in place at the district’s elementary schools.

During its implementation of competency-based education, Sedalia School District is contracting with Marzano Academies of Colorado, who is providing consultation to school administrators that will support ongoing professional development.