The competency map helps students focus on specific performance expectations and demonstrate career-relevant competencies
MINNEAPOLIS, October 23, 2013 - Capella University (http://www.capella.edu)has extended its leadership in competency-based learning by launching a first-of-its-kind competency map to all of its students. The competency map is a visual dashboard that lets adult learners track their demonstration of career-relevant competencies throughout each of their courses. As of Sept. 30, 2013, approximately 35,000 students were enrolled at Capella, a regionally accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults. The learning and career outcomes of Capella's students and alumni can be found at www.capellaresults.org.
"At Capella, we're dedicated to helping our students build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers. When it comes to measuring knowledge and skills, traditional grades provide a limited understanding of a student's learning. That is why we have launched our personalized competency maps," said Capella University President Scott Kinney. "With their competency maps, Capella students have a new – and much more detailed - way to show current and future employers exactly what they have mastered in their degree programs as it relates to their professions."
Competencies are the specific skills and knowledge that contribute to success in specific professions. Over the last several years, Capella faculty, curriculum specialists, instructional designers, assessment specialists, and research analysts have collaborated to create the competency maps by aligning curricular, instructional, and assessment practices. As students complete assignments, the competency maps compile a picture of the career-relevant competencies being mastered. Using an intuitive visual display, they reveal a real-time view of where students are, what lies ahead, and where they should focus to be successful. The competency maps are updated as soon as faculty grade an assignment using criterion-referenced scoring guides, and are accessible 24/7.
Capella has also recently received U.S. Department of Education approval of its FlexPath programs, making it the first university to offer competency-based bachelor's and master's degree programs that utilize an approved direct-assessment learning model as opposed to the traditional credit-hour standard. The two Capella programs approved to operate under the FlexPath model are the Bachelor of Science in Business and the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The FlexPath programs offer the potential to significantly reduce the cost of a degree, accelerate the time required for degree completion, and better align learning to the needs of employers and society.
About Capella University Capella University (www.capella.edu) is a regionally accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. More than 70 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 144 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 22 certificate programs. Approximately 35,000 learners were enrolled as of Sept. 30, 2013, from all 50 states and 61 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.