Calbright takes part in CBEN ‘‘QualAssurance’’ pilot to validate competency‑based programs

Calbright’s vice president for learning and instruction and CBEN representatives briefed trustees on the college’s participation in a CBEN quality‑assurance pilot for competency‑based education (CBE).

Shanna McCarty said the pilot assessed Calbright across three pillars — competencies, assessment validation and program design — and affirmed practices around measurable competencies and authentic assessment. "The pilot affirmed that rigorous quality assurance is essential to ensuring CBE credentials remain trusted signals of value in the labor market," McCarty said.

Amber Garrison Duncan, executive vice president with CBEN, described QualAssurance as a skills‑first quality signal that prioritizes evidence of learning over seat time and aims to codify cross‑sector standards. CBEN signaled plans to scale the model and to pursue recognition as a Department of Education–recognized quality entity over the next several years.

Trustees discussed how QualAssurance could complement traditional accreditation and support workforce‑focused funding signals such as workforce Pell. Trustees also asked about how Calbright’s work on CPL and stackability connects to the pilot’s goals.

Calbright described the pilot as both an external validation and an opportunity to help shape a quality framework for competency‑based programs; no formal board action was recorded.