Flexible Option: A Direct-Assessment Competency-Based Education Model

by Aaron Brower, EDUCAUSE Review

Although the need for more college degrees among the U.S. population is widely acknowledged, meeting that demand in the face of dramatically increased higher education costs, decreased state funding, and increasingly varied student demographics is a huge challenge. To address this, the University of Wisconsin (UW) launched its Flexible Option (UW Flex) direct-assessment CBE model, through which students can earn degrees and certificates from UW institutions. UW Flex focuses on assessment rather than credit hours, letting students undertake academic work at their own pace and prove mastery of required knowledge and skills through rigorous assessments. To help ensure student success, UW Flex supports students through an optimal blend of materials, people, and technology.

http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/flexible-option-direct-assessment-competency-based-education-model

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