A Model that WORKS: How Competency Based

Learning Drives Long-Term Success for Disconnected

Youth

Presented on 10-15-14 by:• Dr. Gene Giovannini: President,

Maricopa Corporate College• Brianna Bendotti: VP of

Workforce Solutions, Maricopa Corporate College

• Ron Stefanski, Chief Business Development Officer, Cengage Learning

CUSTOM . WORKFORCE . SOLUTIONS

Addressing the needs of the local workforce and providing

market-relevant, customized training solutions and

educational programs for employers.

Business Solutions

Personal Professional Education

Entrepreneurial Initiatives

About Maricopa Corporate College

About the Career Online High School

Mission StatementCareer Online High School is committed to preparing students for careers and post-secondary career education by delivering high-quality, supportive, and career-based online education.• Proven Track Record of Success• Employer-Driven, Skills-Based Curriculum• Credentialed Certificate In Addition to Diploma• Accredited by SACS CASI - AdvancEd

5 Best Practices Reflected in Our Model

1. Put the employers in the drivers seat to foster college AND career readiness

2. Include career assessments early on in the program3. Emphasize competency based learning and not seat

time/time in class to make learning relevant4. Provide students the opportunity to achieve short-term

milestones throughout diploma and program completion5. Provide students with a success coach touch point

throughout the program

1st Best Practice: Put the Employer in the Driver’s Seat when Deciding Career Tracks

Why is it critical to give the employer the lead in determining CTE tracks?• Ensures students are guided on learning tracks that align with

jobs• Promotes strategic use of government funding sources

(WIOA)Suggestions• Bring together sector-based employer consortiums • Use Department of Labor questions in survey format to assess

skill gaps

2nd Best Practice: Introduce Career Assessments Early

Why are pre-program career assessment important?• Creates higher success rates and enhanced engagement

Suggestions• Leverage available assessments through MCCCD and COHS;

students can take an assessment in any of the career tracks• Use free versions of MBTI and other assessments to review

results with students in pre-enrollment phase and beyond• Maintain database to track alumni for job opportunities

3rd Best Practice: Emphasize Competency Based Learning

Why is Competency Based Learning Effective?• Accounts for a variety of learning styles• Students progress when ready – but need to prove mastery• More credibility with employersSuggestions• Ensure MCOR/COHS students learn how the core skills apply

to real world situations• Provide feedback and remediation by mentors to achieve

competence, not just completion• Keep employer connection close to content development

4th Best Practice: Introduce Micro-Skills as Short-Term Milestones

Why are milestones important?• MCOR/COHS participants see series of wins, developing

confidence

Suggestions• Career Module HS Courses Career Prep• Mentors work with students to finish each module – course

retrials available to all

5th Best Practice: Integrate a Success Coach

Why do students need a Success Coach?• Allow students to be accountable and focus on learning

Suggestions• MCOR/COHS mentors get involved with students with 4

metrics in mind – – Engage – ensuring accountability for daily/regular attendance– Instruct – working with students to maintain progress– Assess – use feedback to ensure students are learning– Graduate – identify roadblock & ensure timely graduation

Conclusion

• Questions• Visit: http://bit.ly/MCOR-COHS