Educators in competency-based schools focus on deeper learning that builds not only academic knowledge but also personal skills and dispositions for life success. Instruction is culturally responsive, with strategies to ensure equity and success for all students. Educators personalize learning to meet students where they are—with different pathways, the ability to advance upon demonstrated mastery (rather than seat-time), and timely and differentiated supports. Student engagement and learning are strengthened by authentic opportunities to create and apply knowledge, being able to make important decisions about their own learning, and having explicit and transparent learning expectations.