Competency-Based Education

Improving Opportunity and Access to Learning in Tennessee

Competency-Based Education is a pedagogical approach to designing courses where students are expected to demonstrate competencies aligned with clearly defined learning objectives. Demonstration of competencies is achieved through reliable and authentic assessments created by the course designer/instructor. Course competencies are the skills, knowledge, processes, and/or procedures that a learner can perform after completing the course modules. Relevant learning activities are aligned to course competencies and performance assessments.

Competency-Based Education at TBR is defined as an innovative, student-centric approach to post-secondary learning, that promotes open access and improves opportunities by removing barriers for adult learners in Tennessee. Competency-Based Education is designed for student achievement by mastering clearly defined real-world competencies based on workforce needs, minimizing the time from enrollment to employment.

Compentency-Based Education Resource Site

Use this link to access our CBE resource site to find information on program development, course development, training, etc.

Innovative, Student-Centric, Real World

"Competency-based programs are generating increased interest and awareness in higher education. Many colleges and universities see the potential to better plan, organize, and deliver educational opportunities and experiences..." 
Competency-Based Education Network

"Using demonstrations of learning to give more people access to educational opportunity..."
Lumina Foundation

"Competency-Based Education is not a new concept in the United States..."
The Journal of Competency-Based Education