Resource Title:
State Policies to Support Student-Centered Learning

There is growing interest in student-centered learning as a model to better support individual learners. In recent years, state policymakers have pursued multiple approaches to implement this instructional model, but many leaders still experience policy barriers that affect progress.  

This Policy Brief offers an analysis of policy trends, comprehensive state examples and key considerations for those interested in a personalized, competency-based system. Policy options for state education leaders fall into three categories:

1. Assessment of student mastery.
2. Flexible governance.
3. Student-centered learning frameworks.

The brief also highlights existing student-centered learning policies across the country in a 50-state policy scan.

To learn more about competency-based education, see these resources:

• Policy Approaches to Competency-Based Education.
• Policy Solutions That Foster Competency-Based Learning.

If you’re interested in additional student learning topics, see our Key Issue page.