Bring a More Dynamic, Competency-Based Learning Approach to Your Classroom. Educators and trainers today face increasing pressure to engage learners through personalized instruction and to prepare students for a fast-changing world. This course helps you to shift from time-based systems to a competency-based approach focused on what students can actually do. You will gain practical tools to design meaningful assessments, reduce pressure around creative tasks, and create flexible learning environments that build student confidence, independence, and real-world skills. Grounded in neuroscience and proven strategies, this course empowers you to make this essential shift for empowering leaders and learners who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their skills innovatively in their respective fields.
Final submission for all sections is due on or before November 16, 2025. Transcripts will be issued no sooner than 7 days AFTER November 16, 2025.
Number or Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course is designed to benefit K-12 educators, administrators, counselors and support staff in the field of education, with a specific focus on classroom teachers of all grade levels and subjects.
Course Format: Online Self-Paced, within given dates*. The course starts on Monday, September 15, 2025 and should be completed on or before Sunday, November 16, 2025
*Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your submissions and final project. Grades are based on assignments and completed projects. You have until Sunday, November 16, 2025 or sooner to complete the course. Please pace yourself to allow for instructor responses. Course completion date will reflect November 16, 2025 on the transcript for all participants that successfully meet the completed course work deadline.
Technical Requirements
Instructors: Various experienced and qualified K-12 educators. See individual course sections
We highly recommend that you view the entire course upon enrollment (or beginning September 13, 2025 when it becomes available for student view), including instructor announcement regarding their grading schedule to help you successfully pace yourself.
Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.
Enrollment Open Through: October 12, 2025 (11:59PM PT) or until section is full, whichever happens first.
Course Format: Online Self-Paced (within given dates)
Refund Policy: To receive a refund*, students registered prior to the first day of the course, which is September 15, 2025 must drop the course through your student portal at pce.sandiego.edu before midnight on the third day of the course (September 17, 2025). Students enrolling between September 15 – October 19, 2025, who wish to receive a refund (minus processing fee), must drop the course through your student portal at pce.sandiego.edu before midnight on the third day following your enrollment.
*All refunds of the course tuition will be returned less a processing fee of $50.00. No refunds will be issued after applicable deadline for any reason.
Enrollment Open Through: October 19, 2025 (11:59PM PT) or until section is full, whichever happens first.
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.
Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.
Key differences from traditional classroom methods:
Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:
The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.
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