The purpose of this article is to support the implementation of direct assessment competency-based education programs to better serve the diversity of California community college students, ensure access to educational pathways and opportunities for academic and career success, and to achieve more equitable student outcomes. The intent of this article is to ensure program quality and to provide learning opportunities that are meaningful and authentic, particularly for students from minoritized communities, and those identified by the college as being disproportionately impacted pursuant to Education Code, Section 78220.

The goal of this form of competency-based education is to empower students in their learning journey by providing a personalized, flexible, adaptive, and culturally responsive curriculum with which students can engage. Competency-based education allows students to demonstrate mastery of learning and the achievement of competencies at their own pace, aided by customized instructional and support services.