We now have the technology to enable students to learn at their own pace with instruction delivered digitally that is customized to each child's learning style. In a competency-based approach, each child moves from one standard to another only when they have mastered the current standard.
This type of approach can "dramatically increase graduation rates for students that are falling off the track toward a diploma," according to "Clearing the Path: Creating Innovation Space for Serving Over-Age, Under-Credited Students in Competency-Based Pathways," a study published by iNACOL.
Unfortunately, state policies often stand in the way. Seat-time requirements and other one-size-fits-all regulations limit the flexibility needed to address each child's needs. Georgia should immediately focus on removing these barriers.
