Diploma Plus - Pioneering Competency-Based Education Since 1996

We lead the way in competency-based education, empowering learning communities to transform teaching and learning.

Our tailored curriculum, flexible pathways, and student-centered approach ensure that learners master essential skills and take charge of their educational journey. Partner with us to reshape the future of education. At the heart of our learning model is the belief that students should progress when they truly understand the material, not just when they have spent a set amount of time on it.


A Legacy of Success in Education

As one of PazLo Education Foundation's initiatives since 2017, we continue to innovate, add tools and lead the way within the competency-based education sector.  Diploma Pus' history goes back 3 decades and has a track record of success and transformation. Schools implementing the Diploma Plus competency-based Education Model tend to have higher attendance rates, retention rates and passing rates on state tests. According to Vicki L. Phillips, Director of Education and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Diploma Plus does this by "making academics more relevant and maintaining college-ready standards...for its students" 


The Diploma Plus model gained support in several states and even at national level. In his pre-election Plan for Lifelong Success through Education, President Obama included Diploma Plus as one of two “Evidence-Based Models to Help Students Graduate”. Diploma Plus has also been endorsed by the American Youth Policy Forum  and the National Dropout Prevention Center, which called it a "model" program.


Diploma Plus' dropout prevention model has also gained the attention of several states known to have notoriously poor graduation rates in their urban centers. The program was named a New Effective School Option in the National Governor's Association, "Achieving Graduation for All: A Governor’s Guide to Dropout Prevention and Recovery".


We are proud to continue a legacy of achievement as we push to expand our impact and transformation in education.

Diploma Plus Essential
Proficiency First


We believe students should advance only when they have demonstrated mastery of specific skills and knowledge. This ensures they are fully prepared before moving on to more complex concepts.

Diploma Plus Essential
Mastery-Driven Curriculum


A curriculum centered on specific competencies to ensure proficiency. Each lesson is carefully designed to align with the skills and knowledge students need to advance confidently. Our instruction goes beyond imparting information—it focuses on building the skills and knowledge that support content across the curriculum. 

Diploma Plus Essential
Flexible Learning


Our model champions the idea that education should be as dynamic as the learners it serves. To us, flexibility is key—allowing each individual to progress at their own pace and achieve true mastery. This approach transforms a one-size-fits-all system into a personalized experience that nurtures the potential within every student.

 

Grounded in research


Our Diploma Plus model is built directly from the influential research of experts like Robert Marzano, Benjamin S. Bloom, and John B. Carroll. We used their groundbreaking studies to develop our practices, curriculum, rubrics, and systems. This research forms the backbone of our competency-based approach, ensuring that every element of our model is designed for maximum educational impact and effectiveness.

Competency Assessment Rubrics


Our Competency Rubrics are celebrated as the gold standard in Competency-Based Education, setting the bar so high that they're often copied by others. Our rubrics not only define the essential skills, habits, and mindsets needed for success across disciplines, but they also provide crystal-clear benchmarks for student progress. By aligning your curriculum with these top-tier competencies, you're empowering students with the tools they need to excel and thrive.

DPNG - A Platform Built for Competency-Based Education


Our Learning Management System (DPNG) is the first of its kind—a truly unique platform designed specifically for CBE. No other system on the market is as focused on helping students achieve mastery and competency in all content areas. DPNG sets a new standard with its competency-based grading, curriculum management, and flexible online access, making personalized, mastery-focused learning a reality for every student.

DPNG - A Next-Generation Competency-based Learning Platform

Competency-Based Grading and Evaluation


  • Proficiency-Centered Grading: Move beyond point accumulation to gain real-time learning insights. With our pre-built competency rubrics, you can accurately measure how well students meet content standards and learning objectives, providing a clear picture of their progress and achievement.
  • Competency-Based Report Cards: Get report cards that showcase true student mastery by focusing on specific competencies and standards. Receive clear, actionable insights into student progress, helping you support each learner’s growth and success.

Built-In UbD and UDL Curriculum Design Interface


  • UbD Planning: Define clear learning objectives and plan aligned assessments and activities for meaningful outcomes.
  • Differentiation Made Easy: Use UDL strategies to design inclusive instruction that meets the diverse needs of all students.
  • Flexible Assessment Builder: Create a range of assessments that align with curriculum goals, standards, and UDL guidelines.
  • Effective Feedback & Reflection: Empower students with timely feedback and opportunities to reflect on their learning progress

Seamless Online and Hybrid Learning Integration


  • Flexible Course DeliveryDeliver courses in online, hybrid, or in-person formats, adapting to educators' and students' needs.
  • Centralized Resource Hub: Provide 24/7 access to all course materials, assignments, and assessments through an intuitive platform.
  • Asynchronous Learning Support: Offer recorded lectures, discussion boards, and self-paced modules for flexible, on-demand learning.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access courses and resources from any device, ensuring learning is flexible and accessible anywhere.

Our Services - We meet you where you are

Diploma Plus offers three tailored solutions to enhance and implement Competency-Based Education (CBE): Getting Started, DP Access to Ready-Made Resources, and Full Model Implementation. We customize our approach to align perfectly with your current stage of CBE implementation or development, ensuring you receive exactly what you need to succeed.

DP ONE

Start your journey with Diploma Plus and get expert guidance to enhance your CBE program. Receive targeted PD to learn what it takes to successfully start or advance your CBE program.

DP TWO

Elevate your existing CBE program by introducing the Diploma Plus Model Competencies and Assessment Rubrics. Gain access to a wealth of ready-made curriculum, competency-based assessments, materials and tools designed to seamlessly integrate and enhance your instructional program.

DP THREE

Ready to launch your CBE program? The Diploma Plus Model is a comprehensive instructional model that will transform your instructional program and its delivery. This dynamic model, combined with our top-tier resources, technical assistance, targeted PDs and the powerful DPNG Learning Platform, empowers you to build a standout CBE program that delivers real learning outcomes and proven success for every learner.

Ready to get started? Call us! (323) 765-7005

Engaging Learners. Strengthening Schools. Transforming Education

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