Education That Makes Sense
Mastery Learning
Most education programs have some system of separating students based
on academic achievement. It is acceptable for most school systems
to teach all students the same things, to give identical exams to
assess student learning, and then to observe, record, and report the
differences in student achievement. In this scenario, performance
becomes the focused variable. In mastery learning, time becomes
the focused variable and changes with the intention of increasing all
student performance. Time is not an indicator OF success but a tool
FOR success. As such, it becomes one of the most valuable tools for
students and teachers. All students are different and enter the classroom
with varying levels of language fluency, emotional intelligence, work ethic,
curiosity, aptitude for their studies, and degrees of content comprehension.
It stands to reason that not all students will be able to reach a high standard of performance at
the same time. As a result of varying the time indicator for success, more students are able to
demonstrate proficiency and achievement at higher levels throughout the year. As the quality
and quantity of time work together to provide a positive learning environment, there is a shift in
the perception of time. It is now used as a tool FOR learning that simultaneously develops and
promotes a growth mindset. This shift in mindset leads to a solid foundation of learning and a
healthy perspective of success that will benefit students throughout their education and careers.
Time is a Resource
QSI utilizes the Mastery Learning model when teaching students in our schools. It is a well-
researched practice with strong evidence for being highly effective where students learn
more information than traditional school methods which receive a percentage grade to pass
and move on. Mastery Learning is not a new concept but is starting to become the model
for schools looking to reach all students in a more engaging and meaningful way. The idea is
simple. In a traditional school, students can pass their courses and miss 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%,
and even 5% of the course content. In Mastery Learning schools, we care about the students
mastering 100% of the course content. We believe that these gaps in learning, if left unchecked,
turn into deficits, difficulties, and frustrations in learning in the future.