At The Core Collaborative, we believe clarity is the cornerstone of competency-based learning (CBL). When students know what they’re learning, why they’re learning it, and how they’ll know they’re successful—that’s when agency takes flight. That’s why Clarity for Learning by John T. Almarode and our very own Kara L. Vandas is a must-read for any educator striving to create learner-centered, feedback-rich classrooms.
In a world of shifting standards, packed pacing guides, and competing initiatives, Clarity for Learning brings us back to the core: what do we want students to learn, and how can we empower them to own their learning journey?
This powerful text outlines five essential practices that equip teachers and students with the tools they need to thrive:
- Gaining Clarity – Grounding instruction in clear, intentional learning goals.
- Sharing Clarity – Making the learning visible and accessible for all students.
- Feedback with Clarity – Ensuring every learner knows where they are and how to grow.
- Assessing with Clarity – Using formative assessment to inform next steps.
- Collaborating with Clarity – Strengthening professional collaboration to support consistency and alignment.
What makes this book truly special are the voices of real educators throughout—teachers and leaders who share their struggles, breakthroughs, and impact stories. It’s not theory in a vacuum; it’s transformational practice grounded in everyday classrooms across North America.
As a coach with The Core Collaborative, Kara L. Vandas brings this work to life in schools and systems across the country. Her coaching is rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and evidence-based learning practices. This book captures that spirit and invites every reader to take their first (or next) step toward clarity-fueled instruction that grows efficacy—for students and teachers alike.
Clarity and Competency-Based Learning
Competency-Based Learning (CBL) thrives on transparency, learner ownership, and meaningful feedback—all hallmarks of Clarity for Learning. If your system is moving toward (or deepening) a competency-based approach, this book is a foundational guide for that journey.
CBL isn’t just about pacing or pathways—it’s about purpose. And Clarity for Learning equips educators with the tools to:
- Make learning targets explicit and student-friendly so learners understand what competence looks like.
- Co-construct success criteria with students, supporting them in tracking their own growth.
- Use formative assessment and feedback to determine where each learner is on the continuum—and what they need next.
- Design learning opportunities aligned to mastery rather than seat time, helping students move from emerging to proficient and beyond.
- Build collaborative teams that align instructional moves to shared learning targets and performance expectations.
When students have clarity, they have the confidence and competence to take charge of their learning. They can set meaningful goals, self-assess, and engage in feedback cycles with peers and teachers. That’s not just good practice—it’s the heartbeat of CBL.
Why this book belongs in your hands:
- You’re ready to move from coverage to clarity.
- You want to strengthen student ownership and metacognition.
- You’re building or refining a competency-based system.
- You believe in the power of collaborative learning communities.
This isn’t just a book. It’s a pathway toward deeper learning, greater equity, and more joyful classrooms. So here’s our challenge to you: Don’t just read it. Live it. Coach it. Collaborate with it. Because clarity isn’t just good practice—it’s a promise to our learners.
Are you ready to get clear?
