Mastery-based education, or mastery learning as it is more commonly known, can be best described by its two main assumptions. First, mastery learning assumes that virtually all learners can learn all important academic content to a level of excellence. Second, the primary function of schools is to define learning objectives and help all students achieve them. Mastery learning is based on an explicit philosophy of teaching and learning that assumes that given the appropriate instructional conditions, virtually all students can learn well or master most of what they are taught. This means that it is realistic for teachers to aspire to teach in such a way that all learners do well in school. Schools can also aspire to make sure that 95% of their students or more reach the mastery of learning that is attainable by only a few high-achieving students enrolled in existing models of schooling.


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