TEXAS GOES COMPETENT: Competency-based education is gearing up for its shining moment in the Lone Star State. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently announced they’re partnering with BloomBoard, a competency-based professional development platform, to pilot six PD programs across the state. The pilot, which nearly 400 educators will participate in, is designed to provide teachers and school board members with the tools to demonstrate competency and acquire micro-credentials in the form of digital badges.
In a prepared statement, Commissioner of Education Mike Morath explained his rationale for the initiative. “The most important person in public education is the teacher at the front of every classroom, and we want to ensure they receive the support they deserve,” said Commissioner Morath. “By offering this new approach to professional development, we are working to improve our support of teachers, principals, counselors and even school board members throughout Texas.”
Texas is part of a cohort of states moving towards competency-based professional development. BloomBoard is also working with departments of education in Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, Washington, and Delaware to pilot similar professional learning programs supported by micro-credentials.
