Competency-based education (CBE) is an innovative, transformative approach to higher education, emphasizing proficiency and mastery of a subject over the number of credit hours spent in a classroom. While CBE isn’t new, it’s recently been gaining momentum with the introduction of the bi-partisan Empowering Learners Through Competency-Based Education Act, introduced on February 29, 2024 by Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and Burgess Owens (R-UT).
The Act, defined as one which will “assist universities in cultivating learning environments that will allow students to learn at their own pace, called competency-based education (CBE), in an effort to more quickly lead young Americans to meaningful careers with less student loan debt,” has received support from C-BEN, a number of higher education institutions, and fellow members of Congress.
Regent Education is thrilled to announce our support for the Empowering Learners Through Competency-Based Education Act.
Together with other supporters, we encourage our network to embrace this important transformation in higher education through support of this bill.
Competency-based education is significant for colleges, universities, and the students they serve. Students benefit from personalized, flexible learning experiences that enable them to progress and demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge at their own pace, which is often faster than the time it takes to earn a traditional college degree. Institutions benefit from improved student outcomes because they are able to adapt and adjust to meet students where they are on the road to acquiring the skills they need to succeed.
Further, the Empowering Learners Through Competency-Based Education Act targets the challenge of reducing student loan debt. CBE offers students a cost-effective way to attain critical skills they need for a successful career at a pace that works for them. By demonstrating skills and knowledge through flexible schedules and a timeline that works for them, students save time and money, enabling them to enter the workforce faster and with less debt.
“A bill like the Empowering Learners Through Competency-Based Education Act could be life-changing for institutions and the students they serve,” said Jim Hermens, CEO, Regent Education. “With student loan debt at an all-time high, embracing flexible pathways such as CBE enables colleges and universities to open doors to a successful and affordable higher education experience for many more students.”
“We are thrilled that Regent Education joins C-BEN in lending their support for the Empowering Learners Through Competency-Based Education Act,” said Charla Long, C-BEN President. “As a partner of C-BEN, we know that Regent Education believes in the transformative power of competency-based education and joins us in our goal to make postsecondary education more flexible, responsive, and valuable for learners and employers.”