Lynnhaven utilizes a combination of a traditional transcript and a Mastery Learning Record (MLR), which aims to provide a more comprehensive and detailed picture of a student's academic and personal achievements than traditional transcripts alone. Instead of relying solely on grades and standardized test scores, the Lynnhaven focuses on students' demonstrated mastery of specific skills and knowledge in 8 key areas:
Wellbeing
Expression
Perspective
Reasoning
Impact
Innovation
Collaboration
Content
Our Mastery Learning Record (MLR), beginning for the class of 2025, includes a combination of traditional academic grades as well as more detailed assessments of a student's strengths, interests, and accomplishments. For example, instead of just showing a letter grade for a math class, the MLR might include information on the specific skills and concepts that the student has mastered in that class along with evidence to support that mastery.
Why Mastery?
In an ever-evolving world and economy, it is crucial for individuals to have continuous access to opportunities for enhancing and adapting their skills. Standing alone, the conventional Carnegie credits fail to acknowledge the perpetual and dynamic nature of learning, as they remain fixed once earned. In reality, as exemplified in the opening of the Aurora Institute's "A Promise for Equitable Futures" report, fewer than one in five American students follow a straightforward and uninterrupted path from high school through college to their career. Furthermore, due to significant variations in the learning requirements across different educational institutions, transcripts provide limited insight into a student's actual knowledge and capabilities. The letter grade "A" at one school may carry a vastly different meaning than at another school, owing to discrepancies in course prerequisites, expectations, and grading policies. For instance, some grades may exclusively reflect academic knowledge, while others may incorporate extra credit or consider a student's conduct and level of participation. Essential skills and attributes that are either implicitly or explicitly taught in courses are often omitted from traditional transcripts, as they are not typically reported
The “Carnegie unit,” based on “seat time” – or time spent in a classroom. After more than a century of prominence, even the Carnegie unit is changing to better reflect what learners need in order to thrive in a changing world. The Carnegie Foundation, which originally created the Carnegie unit, is actively calling for a transition to a new system that aligns with the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be ready for the future rooted in mastery. Change is happening!
The “Carnegie unit,” based on “seat time” – or time spent in a classroom. After more than a century of prominence, even the Carnegie unit is changing to better reflect what learners need in order to thrive in a changing world. The Carnegie Foundation, which originally created the Carnegie unit, is actively calling for a transition to a new system that aligns with the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be ready for the future rooted in mastery. Change is happening!
Common Questions
Q: Do colleges look at an MLR?
A: YES! Colleges and universities look for ways to find good fits for their incoming cohort. The additional information in a Mastery Learning Record shows work samples, personal statements, and highlights gifts, talents, and interests of students beyond just grades and credits on their traditional transcript.
Q: My student is going to get grades in college, will they be ready?
A: YES! A mastery environment isn't a lack of grades or assessment. It is a practice on constant targeted growth. Students who have gone through a mastery environment have a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They also have practiced communication with their teachers throughout the learning process so that asking for help and for targeted feedback during a professors office hours becomes second nature.
A: YES! Colleges and universities look for ways to find good fits for their incoming cohort. The additional information in a Mastery Learning Record shows work samples, personal statements, and highlights gifts, talents, and interests of students beyond just grades and credits on their traditional transcript.
Q: My student is going to get grades in college, will they be ready?
A: YES! A mastery environment isn't a lack of grades or assessment. It is a practice on constant targeted growth. Students who have gone through a mastery environment have a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They also have practiced communication with their teachers throughout the learning process so that asking for help and for targeted feedback during a professors office hours becomes second nature.
