Over-Tested and Under-Prepared: Using Competency Based Learning to Transform Our Schools

by Bob Sornson, Robert Sornson

The curriculum-driven instructional model has been the standard method of teaching for more than a century, but it is consistently failing to produce well-educated citizens and lifelong learners. Pressured by standardized testing and rigid pacing guidelines, teachers are forced to cover too much content too quickly, without being able to meet the needs of individual students. In this powerful new book from acclaimed author and speaker Bob Sornson, you’ll learn how shifting from curriculum-based instruction to competency based learning can help students become more successful, confident, and engaged learners. Topics Each chapter is short and easy to digest, and provides compelling research, strategies, and anecdotes to inspire conversation and action. Teachers, administrators, and community leaders will all find helpful resources and arguments for re-working our current educational system into a new, dynamic model of teaching and learning.

188 pages, Paperback

Published December 10, 2015

About the author

Bob Sornson, PhD, was a classroom teacher and school administrator for over thirty years and is the founder of the Early Learning Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping schools and parents give every child an opportunity to achieve early learning success. His implementation of programs and strategies for early learning success, the Early Learning Success Initiative, serves as a model for districts around the country. He is committed to the belief that practically every child can have a successful early learning experience.

Bob is the author of numerous articles, books, and audio recordings. To contact Bob or learn more about his books, please visit www.earlylearningfoundation.com.

Bob is also the author of the Stand Up/ Speak Up Program, teaching children to make the choices to stand up and speak up for themselves and support others. Forpresentations visit www.no-bystanders.com.

Reviews

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a game changer for anyone invested in education. It changed my perspective on learning, study habits, and the current state of our education system. The author argues that schools often treat students as numbers, focusing on excessive standardized testing rather than meaningful learning. The book advocates for a comfortable learning pace based on individual learning styles, prioritizing mastery of material over mere memorization and test scores. This shift in mindset made me realize the importance of quality over quantity in education, transforming my study habits to focus on understanding key concepts. “Over-Tested and Under-Prepared” is a must read for educators, parents, and students who want a more effective learning environment that values time and dedication towards ones learning journey and potential.

[Justin Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for the HSSD Research Academy Project. This book is great for developing a case for the WHY of transitioning to competency-based education. As someone who is already buying into the WHY, I wish there were more of the HOW. A lot of the research out there right now is more convincing-focused and I long for more practical examples for implementation. However, if you're considering or curious about CBT, this is an easy read, a very accessible place to begin!