Mastery-based Learning Collaborative

Highlights

Contacts:

Quick links: List of Grantees | Definitions | Resources

This page provides information about the state’s Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) project. For background on Washington mastery-based learning work, visit the MBL page.

Timeline for Cohort 2 Application Process

*To be eligible for preferential (first tier) consideration of participation in the MBL Collaborative, schools need to participate in all required components (webinar, notice of intent, interview, and application) as indicated below. As a second tier, if space becomes available, a school who misses the required components may still be considered.

Cohort 2 Actions	2023 Dates
Informational webinar*	September 13
Notice of intent* (one-page proposal)	September 29
Interviews*	August 10 - October 30 (following notice of intent submissions)
Applications due* (download the Information Packet)	November 1
Application evaluations announced	December 1 (there may be application revisions needed)
Grantees begin work	January 1

What is the Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC)?

The Washington State Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) will identify best practices for implementing culturally responsive-sustaining Mastery-based Learning (MBL), identify sample tools for educators using a MBL approach, and offer professional learning to in-service educators, including teachers, principals, and counselors. The project’s overarching goal is to inform future policy by helping decision makers better understand what quality MBL looks like, how long it takes to implement, and what resources are necessary.

At the local level, this project is helping participating schools not only respond to the current pandemic but also jump start a longer-term shift to MBL to transform education into a more relevant and equitable learning experience for each and every student.

Outside of the normal grant application period, schools are welcome to inquire about joining the Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative as a school eligible for full participation in professional learning events, individualized coaching at the school level, and potential school grant funding. Depending on the availability of funding and SBE’s assessment of a school’s readiness to participate at the time of the school’s inquiry, SBE will determine whether an inquiring school may join. If SBE determines that the school is not eligible for funding, the school is welcome to join the Friends of MBLC interest group, which includes access to professional learning webinars and online materials but does not include school grant funding.

Friends of Mastery Collaborative are not members but have a 100 percent opt-in connection to the MBLC community. Joining Friends of MBLC is a low-stakes way to stay connected and have access to MBLC offerings. This may be a good fit for schools that want to explore MBL and culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE) shifts informally or exploratorily. Friends of MBLC stay connected with the MBLC community by receiving the MBLC newsletter about once a month. This newsletter will provide notices of space available to join some PL opportunities such as visits to schools and online sessions.Friends of MBLC do not attend Quarterly Meetings (gatherings of practitioners in member schools) and will receive no grant funding from the MBLC Program.

We welcome you to join our interest group!

Timeline for Cohort 1 grantee schools:

Spring 2022: Planning period
2022-2023: First professional learning year
2023-2024: MBL implementation begins at the building level

Founding Cohort of Grantee Schools

School District	School(s)
Auburn School District	Auburn High School
Elma School District	Elma Elementary, Elma Middle School, East Grays Harbor High School
Enumclaw School District	Enumclaw High School
Franklin Pierce School District	GATES High School
Highline Public Schools	Highline Big Picture, Maritime High School, CHOICE Academy, Innovation Heights Academy
La Conner School District	La Conner Middle-High School
Lind-Ritzville School District	Lind-Ritzville Middle/High School
Moses Lake School District	Vanguard Academy
Northshore School District	Innovation Lab High School
Olympia School District	Avanti High School
Puyallup School District	Edgemont Junior High School
Quincy School District	Quincy Innovation Academy
Tumwater School District	Tumwater Middle School
West Valley School District (#208)	West Valley Innovation Center in Yakima, Middle Level Campus

Definitions

Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE): Culturally responsive-sustaining education is grounded in a cultural view of learning and human development in which multiple expressions of diversity (e.g., race, social class, gender, language, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability) are recognized and regarded as assets for teaching and learning. CRSE explores the relationship between historical and contemporary conditions of inequality and ideas that shape access, participation, and outcomes for learners.
Mastery-based Learning: The state defined mastery-based learning (MBL) in 2019 E2SHB 1599 (Sec. 301):
- Students advance upon demonstrated mastery of content;
- Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower students;
- Assessments are meaningful and a positive learning experience for students;
- Students receive rapid, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs; and
- Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge along with the development of important skills and dispositions.
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CRS) Mastery-based Learning (MBL): CRS MBL means MBL implemented in a CRS way.