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Board authorizes Golden LEAF grant application to pilot competency-based middle-school instruction
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Fletcher was given permission to apply for a Golden LEAF grant to support High-Reliable Schools and competency-based learning for eligible middle schools; principals must also submit school-level applications.
The Transylvania County Board of Education authorized Superintendent Dr. Fletcher to submit a Golden LEAF grant application aimed at piloting competency-based education and the High-Reliable Schools model in eligible middle schools.
Dr. Fletcher said the grant targets a cohort of 10 non-low-performing schools and focuses on effective teaching strategies, guaranteed and viable curriculum, competency-based grading and tools for tracking student mastery. She noted that each participating middle school must submit a separate application and that the grant offers professional development, embedded coaching, a resource bank and training stipends for participants.
"The most important thing ... is an understanding of mastery learning, competency based education, and tracking individual student progress," Dr. Fletcher said, thanking Miss Norris and principals who are helping prepare applications.
A board member moved to give Dr. Fletcher permission to pursue the grant; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The board did not commit district funding at that time and stated any required future obligations would return to the board for approval.
If awarded, the grant is expected to support development of proficiency scales, aligned unit plans and assessments and a plan for grouping students by mastery; the district would consider broader districtwide rollout if the pilot is successful.
