This paper focuses on engaging and enabling educators to play new roles and take new leadership in the paradigm shift between traditional and competency-based education: a system of learning designed to ensure that all learners are prepared with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to be successful lifelong learners. The paper re-envisions…

Outlines the importance of testing in the Mastery Learning process. Points out that as students demonstrate mastery, the amount of paperwork lessens for teachers. (MD)

Examines recent research to show that group-based mastery learning programs have consistently positive effects on student learning outcomes, including academic achievement, material retention, involvement in learning activities, and student attitudes. These programs also affect teachers and have considerable potential for implementation in regular…

Suggestions are offered for ensuring the effectiveness of individualized instruction and mastery learning. One or two brief ideas are presented in each of the following areas: (1) homework; (2) after-school help; (3) supplementary corrective programs; (4) parent involvement; (5) enrichment exercises; (6) supplementary materials; (7) student tutors…

This annotated bibliography on mastery learning, intended for use by teachers, administrators, curriculum-planners, and researchers, covers writings and reports on the following topics: (1) research reports; (2) use of mastery learning concepts and strategies; (3) task skills analysis; (4) sequential learning; (5) learning hierarchies; (6) task…

This paper describes the design principles, instructional practices, and specific curricula of Direct Instruction--one example of focused, systematic, explicit instruction. At a time when public schools are increasingly held accountable for students' achievement and for closing and preventing the achievement gap between minority/disadvantaged and…

The Center for Educational Policy and Management at the University of Oregon has developed a professional development term for improving teaching skills of secondary school teachers. The content of the program has been drawn from two major categories of instructional research: (1) classroom management and organizational strategies that promote and…

This paper outlines the types of schooling programs that will build on the strengths of educationally disadvantaged students to bring them into the educational mainstream as well as to prepare them for economic, political, and social participation. Without intervention on behalf of the disadvantaged, the following results may occur: (1) a dual…