Competency-Based Education (CBE) Accelerate
Southwestern College’s CBE Accelerate program is a different learning approach intended
for students who are working full time or have significant life obligations that make
it challenging to attend regularly scheduled classes. CBE Accelerate programs allow
students to use their existing skills learned on the job or in other places to move
at their own pace through instruction, slowing down when they need more help, and
then demonstrating their knowledge in order to move ahead in the program.
CBE is still new to community colleges in California, so check out the brief video, “What is Competency-Based Education?” from C-BEN on Vimeo, provided by the CBE Network for an overview of CBE.
CBE Accelerate Is Different From Traditional Programs
CBE Accelerate is different than a traditional program in the following ways:
| Traditional | CBE Accelerate | |
| Start Dates | You start classes at the beginning of the fall, spring, or summer semesters | CBE Accelerate programs have a different academic calendar also with three start dates and three terms, but you can add more learning when you’re ready, even in the middle of a term. |
| Term Length | Classes last 16 weeks | Learning is self-paced. Students move on after demonstrating mastery. |
| Final Exams | Your final exam happens at the end of a 16-week course | You can attempt the final assessment when you’re ready after you complete the learning online. |
| Attending Classes | Your class times are scheduled by the college and students must attend at specific times | You work on your learning when you have time by completing modules online. You only come to campus for some of the program assessments. |
| Transcripts | Your transcript lists the course numbers, names, units and the letter grade you earned | Your transcript lists the skills (competencies) you mastered and your mastery level to show an employer what you can do. You also receive a traditional transcript if you plan to transfer. |
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