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reDesign's CBE Catalyst: A New Frontier in Educator Support

In response to the growing demand for effective and affordable competency-based education (CBE), reDesign, an innovative organization focused on learner-centered education strategies, has recently unveiled a novel professional learning community named CBE Catalyst. Launched at the prestigious Aurora Institute Symposium in November 2024, CBE Catalyst aims to provide educators with the necessary resources and collaboration opportunities to successfully implement competency-based systems within their respective schools and districts.

The Vision Behind CBE Catalyst

In a world where the educational landscape is rapidly evolving to accommodate both technological advancements and the unique needs of individual learners, reDesign is paving the way for educators to adapt effectively to these changes. According to Antonia Rudenstine, the founder and executive director of reDesign, there's a significant shift occurring globally, emphasizing the need for educational focus on uniquely human skills that align with advancements in AI and technology. Rudenstine explains, "Competency-based learning is a powerful lever in this work. However, systemic shifts to CBE require robust, adaptable, and engaging learning opportunities for educators that are affordable at scale."

The CBE Catalyst is not just another professional development platform; it's designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible suite of resources tailored to the specific needs of educational teams. It endeavors to remove the barriers that educators often face, such as the fragmentation of professional development offerings and their associated costs.

Key Features of CBE Catalyst

CBE Catalyst highlights several crucial features that aim to support educators as they embark on this transformative journey. Each team within a school or district has the flexibility to engage at their own pace and tailor their learning experience according to their unique vision and community context. Here are some of the standout offerings:

1. CBE Ignite Essentials: Educators can join a cohort of school teams for foundational launch modules led by reDesign coaches. Offered quarterly, these modules allow teams to choose the timing that suits them best.

2. CBE Tools & Resources: Members will gain access to a continuously growing library of CBE tools, self-paced educational modules, and other valuable resources, available on a monthly basis.

3. QA Sessions: Educators can engage with reDesign coaches for real-time guidance and support, ensuring that they have the assistance needed exactly when required.

4. Community of Practice: This space fosters collaboration among educators to share challenges, celebrate successes, and brainstorm innovative ideas and solutions.

5. Youth Feedback Opportunities: Educators can devise pathways to actively involve young learners in the feedback process and pilot new CBE designs, promoting a more interactive learning experience.

The learning opportunities through CBE Catalyst will commence in February 2025, marking an exciting new avenue for educators to explore competency-based educational practices.

The Future of Learning with CBE Catalyst

ReDesign has pioneered significant initiatives in the field of education since 2008, partnering with various educational institutions to drive transformative change. The introduction of CBE Catalyst underscores their commitment to enhancing learning opportunities for all students and equipping educators with necessary skills to navigate modern educational challenges.

As laymen understand it, the old one-size-fits-all approach to education is rapidly fading. Instead, competency-based learning stands at the forefront of educational reform, striving to tailor education to individual students’ strengths, needs, and aspirations. By offering a platform for continual professional development, CBE Catalyst endeavors to empower educators, shaping the future of education to be more effective, inclusive, and learner-centered.

To discover more about this groundbreaking initiative and how to become involved, educators can visit www.redesignu.org/cbe-catalyst.

Through the collaborative efforts of educational leaders, schools can harness the immense power of competency-based learning, enriching the educational journeys of countless young people across the nation.