Courage Schools utilizes a mastery-based system that shifts student focus from earning a grade (then forgetting) to genuine learning and retention. Mastery of every subject and skill is both achievable and expected.
We know that God has created human beings for a specific purpose and has given us specific tasks to do throughout our lifetime as we seek to glorify Him. As we seek to teach and prepare students to work unto the Lord rather than to men (Colossians 3:23), we recognize that this calls students to a higher standard than letters and numbers on a transcript. It requires students to truly master the knowledge and skills necessary for them to reach their goals in life.
Courage Schools utilizes a mastery-based system that shifts students’ focus from earning a grade to genuine learning and retention.
Tailored learning plans ensure this mastery is achievable for every student since reaching their personal goals becomes the motivation for learning. Such mastery does not mean that students exhaust the limits of every subject and skill. Rather it means that each student clearly presents evidence that reflects appropriate knowledge, skills, abilities, and accomplishments in determined competencies. Mastery will look different for each student depending on their learning style and goals. Furthermore, students are not forced to move to the next course simply because time is up; they will add new competencies as mastery is demonstrated according to their own pace.
Through the process of mastery, students will acquire knowledge and lifelong skills by employing their own process of practice, reflection, and trial and error resulting in helpful feedback that facilitates true learning and growth. Students’ work is divided between foundational and advanced competencies. The foundational competencies can be seen as the base knowledge and skills that all students need to be well-prepared for a successful life. The advanced competencies can be anything that a student desires to go deeper in or learn outside of the foundational competencies.
Courage Schools partner with Mastery Transcript Consortium to allow students to create a tailored portfolio (transcript) that not only demonstrates their mastered competencies but also showcases their personal achievements and passions. This customized transcript can be used to help students achieve their end goal whether it be to apply to college, enter vocational school, serve in ministry, or even go directly into the workforce. By displaying competencies and skills in addition to course titles, the tailored transcript allows each student to tell their story in terms of where they want to go and how equipped they are to get there.
