Competency-Based Learning Breaks the Mold of Traditional Student Learning

Students Thrive When They Are Given Agency Over Their Learning

NHLI is a strong voice in the national conversation and in research on innovation in educational practice. We collaborate with districts and schools across the country to design pathways toward student-centered learning systems that empower students. We provide preparation and ongoing support to educators as they implement a more personalized learning experience.

group of educators working together

Our Mission

We are committed to creating and supporting meaningful, enduring innovation in education. NHLI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization implementing competency-based learning while preparing and supporting educators to break the mold of traditional student learning.

Areas of Impact

Distributive Leadership

We provide professional development and coaching to help move your district or school leaders toward student-centered learning through distributive leadership and Professional Learning Communities, to better understand student learning and evidence of learning competency.

Teaching and Learning

Curriculum, Instruction and Meaningful Assessment

We help districts and schools develop and implement innovative competency-based curriculum and instruction that support student-centered learning and lead to more meaningful assessment practices.

Future Learning Pathways

We work with educators to develop individual pathways with learning opportunities for all students to acquire the academic, work, and life competencies they need to pursue their college, career, and life goals.

school kids working together

Student-Centered Learning

Giving students agency over their own learning arms them with the tools to self-direct, instills positive success habits, and helps them truly see the value and purpose behind their learning.

“The work we have done with NHLI over the past year has been some of the most valuable professional development I have experienced in my professional career. The direct impact it has had on our district has been powerful.”

- Erin Messer, M.Ed. Principal, Groveton High School

Upcoming Events & Training

Recent Blog Posts

/ December 29, 2025

Rethinking Grading Part 2: When the Gradebook Drives the Bus

Choosing a Reporting System That Actually Supports Competency-Based Learning In a lot of districts that say they’re “doing competency-based learning,” you can see two very different realities: Too often, districts […]

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/ December 29, 2025

Student Agency Part 2: Trusting Students in the Kitchen

My understanding of student agency first took root during my graduate teaching program at Simmons University. In a curriculum design seminar, a group of us were discussing the role of […]

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/ December 29, 2025

Rethinking Grading, Part 1: When Feedback Leads, Learning Follows

Designing Grading Practices That Reflect Growth, Development, and Classroom Reality Few topics in K–12 education spark as much debate—and confusion—as grading practices. School systems and structures often demand that grading […]

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Put your students at the center of their learning.

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