How does grading work in a CBE Program?
The final result of completing a class in a competency-based education course of study is the same as MLC’s on-campus undergraduate programs. Letter grades are recorded on the official transcript of a learner who graduates from MLC with an undergraduate baccalaureate degree. These letter grades are then calculated as a term and a cumulative GPA.
There is, however, a difference in grading in our CBE courses. Assessments and activities can be connected to competencies. To complete the class, learners must achieve a proficient or mastery mark on all competencies. Learners are allowed to attempt the assessment or activity multiple times until they achieve at least a proficient score.
The design does not diminish a learner’s accomplishment in their classes. Instead, it assures that individuals who have completed their study in the competency-based education model have a minimum level of understanding of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors expected of a called worker serving in our Synod.
Term B Starts with a Second Cohort!
On January 5, 2025 the CBTE Term B began. The learners who began their studies in September continued with their next two courses. A new cohort of eleven learners also began their studies. Eight learners started a new entirely online cohort, and three students started the first Milwaukee-based cohort. The Milwaukee-based cohort will meet weekly as part of their Biblical Literature and History courses at the St. Marcus North Campus. We look forward to supporting our returning and new learners as they study to serve in the public ministry of the WELS.
Pausing at Christmas
There is much to celebrate.
We are quickly approaching the celebration of our Savior’s birth. Our churches, schools, and homes are filled with the joyful preparations and comforting traditions of our Christmas season. One of our family’s traditions is to share an Advent Devotion after we have finished our evening meal. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the greatest gift we have received through Grace alone, by faith alone.
We are quickly nearing the end of our first CBTE term, preparing for the second term, and completing the enrollment process for our second CBTE cohort to begin their classes in January 2025.
We are all looking forward to several weeks of a break. However, a pause between terms does not pause our most important work, strengthening our faith in the promise fulfilled through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.
