Published in Pacelli Perspective

December 09, 2021

Competency-Based the Goal

Just like you wouldn’t build a home on a shaky foundation, it doesn’t make sense to move ahead academically until certain skills have been mastered.  Why try to write a paragraph until good English language grammar is in place, or do algebra before the basics of math have been established?

NJ Private School Headmaster
Founder & Head of School: Mr. Joseph A. Pacelli

To be competent at something is to be able to do that something effectively and reliably in a variety of circumstances; it is not the mere retention of a given set of facts, procedures, or theories.  While knowledge acquisition occurs as part of competency development, it is not done for its own sake.  The goal is to put this new skill or knowledge to work, hence giving purpose to the task.  The real world challenge takes shape as the student searches for the tools to accomplish the task.  Is it to translate an original work in a foreign language to discover a process or possibly research the comparisons of two forms of government?  To do a task towards achieving one’s personal best, we need to apply knowledge effectively in producing desired results, including the skill to acquire additional knowledge as needed.  Each child’s learning journey emerges from an exploration of which competencies are needed to realize their learning goals and of what kinds of learning experience will best allow the development of those competencies – all consistent with who they are, how they learn, and where they go in life.  The learner’s uniqueness dictates interest level and total involvement.  Using the student’s innate curiosity, projects will involve twenty-first century skills such as collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Click here to learn more.

At Oak Hill Academy, in Lincroft, New Jersey, the staff works together to create plans for the learner’s journey by helping to set individual goals and identifying appropriate pathways for exploration that are matched to the student’s interests, aspirations, and needs.

Since there is only a suggested timeline for completion, mastery is an ongoing function, which continues to grow and be enriched by experience. This is the beauty of life-long learning. Oak Hill Academy is a NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades pre-kindergarten through eight. Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to a traditional, challenging, and caring learning environment that encourages comprehensive thought processes and deep understandings; thus promoting the wholesome intellectual, emotional, moral, and physical lifetime growth of our students. If you want to learn more about what makes Oak Hill Academy one of the best private school in NJ, visit us online at www.oakhillacademy.com , or subscribe to our mailing list to be notified when we post more topics.

Newsletter

Share
Article By Oak Hill Academy
Oak Hill Academy is a Monmouth County NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades per-kindergarten through eight.

Our Latest News

Charting the Future: Oak Hill Academy’s Bold Vision for 2025–2029

In today’s fast-changing educational landscape, choosing the right school is more important than ever. Families seeking excellence in academics, character development, and future-focused education will find Oak Hill Academy—a standout among private schools in Monmouth County NJ—to be a model of innovation and tradition working hand in hand. The newly released Oak Hill Academy 2024–2029 […]

Read More
Reinventing K-12 Education for the Future in an AI World

Reinventing K-12 Education for the Future in an AI WorldBy Joseph Pacelli, Head of School, Oak Hill Academy As we move into a high-tech world filled with artificial intelligence (AI) and instant knowledge, we must reimagine our educational system to truly prepare our children for the path ahead. The role of teachers can no longer […]

Read More
Have We Lost Kid Reasoning?

Have We Lost Kid Reasoning? In the age of rapid technological advancements and instant information, one can’t help but wonder: Have we lost kid reasoning? Have we overlooked the innate curiosity and imaginative potential of children in favor of standardized tests and rote learning? As we reflect on the changing landscape of education and child […]

Read More
Introducing Merge EDU: A New Frontier in STEM Education at Oak Hill Academy

Introducing Merge EDU: A New Frontier in STEM Education at Oak Hill Academy We are thrilled to announce the arrival of an exciting new resource for our PreK-4 students at Oak Hill Academy—Merge EDU, an innovative STEM educational product taught by Mrs. Emily Lenz. This cutting-edge tool is transforming how our young learners engage with […]

Read More
Get The Latest News From Oak Hill! Join our newsletter now
News & Events

News & Events

Featured News

More News

Oak Hill Academy Class of 2025 Receives Acceptances to Attend Top Schools Read More
Oak Hill Academy’s 6th New Jersey Champion is Crowned Read More
Oak Hill Academy Students Seize the Day in the National Latin Exam Read More
Building Futures: How Joseph Pacelli’s Leadership Made Oak Hill Academy a Model for Educational Excellence Read More
View More

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, August 27
  • Please Visit Days (9am - 2pm)

    Wednesday, August 27  9:00 am - 2:00 pm

    See more details

  • PreK Orientation

    Wednesday, August 27  10:00 am - 10:00 am

    See more details

Thursday, August 28
  • Please Visit Days (9am - 2pm)

    Thursday, August 28  9:00 am - 2:00 pm

    See more details

  • Kindergarten Orientation

    Thursday, August 28  10:00 am - 10:00 am

    See more details

Monday, September 1
View All Events