What if the traditional education system isn’t broken—but outdated? In this compelling episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Richard DeLorenzo, founder of the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition, Roxy Mourant, CEO of CBE Ignited, and Jessica Enderson, COO of CBE Ignited, to explore the transformative power of Competency-Based Education (CBE).

Together, we unpack the foundational principles from their book, Competency-Based Education Ignited, and examine how CBE differs from past reform efforts. We discuss why this student-centered, mastery-driven approach holds real promise for sustainability and equity in education. The team shares what mindset shifts are needed for teachers, how leaders can guide schools through the transition, and what it truly looks like when students take ownership of their learning.

From redefining success to scaling system-wide change, this episode is filled with bold ideas, proven strategies, and the passion to reshape the future of learning.

A dynamic leader who is part of the team leading the largest education reform ever from a traditional time-based model to a digital personal proficiency system that will impact over 72,000 schools in Russia. Over 20 years ago, he led the first district to win the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award in education by moving from a time-based system to a digital personal mastery, thereby setting a revolution in school change in motion. He founded the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition (RISC) to impact 1,000,000 children by scaling this system worldwide. Marzano Research purchased the foundation, which is now called Reinventing Schools https://rs.marzanoresearch.com. 

Jessica Enderson is a nationally recognized leader in learner-centered transformation with over two decades of experience in education. She has held leadership roles at various levels, guiding schools and districts through transforming from traditional systems to competency-based, personalized learning. As the Chief Operations Officer of CBE Ignited and founder of Learner Centered Leadership, Jessica brings a practical, inspiring approach to change—empowering leaders and educators to design learning environments where all students thrive.

 

Website: https://cbeignited.org/ 

Twitter (X): Richard:  https://x.com/CBEIgnitedCEO

Twitter (X): Jessica: https://x.com/J_EndersonSD 

Twitter (X): Roxy https://x.com/CBEIgnitedCEO 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannemourant/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087944445826 

Linkedin: Richard:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-delorenzo-7165684/

Linkedin: Roxy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-mourant-71248a165/ 

Linkedin: Jessica: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-enderson-020104252

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@CBEIgnitedInc 

Additional Links/ Resources: 

 

https://youtu.be/GLZ6CPFsin4?si=5DYHtfjcERNWQ1BH

 

https://youtu.be/QRKnTbkouXA?si=l6xb4dzLNPJiWuOB

https://www.amazon.com/Competency-Based-Education-Ignited-Transformational-competency-based/dp/1960574027?crid=3T0XBY1PPEK0Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FDufIYchdFmRXSGgTSG5vi9cx-aCLRtKaZMI16IH5X4.ppyKVR73EOL2EmUNco5s6e6RpehWaMAFFiN_n0TbuBk&dib_tag=se&keywords=Competency-Based+Education+Ignited&qid=1745186541&sprefix=competency-based+education+ignited%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=bd9f893eafcae488e0a60b0899cea79c&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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I want to invite you to a free webinar on Student Mental Health + Behavior! On April 29, I’ll be co-hosting this event with Thriving Educator to share practical tools and strategies for supporting student well-being in schools.

👉 Free Registration: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/thrivingeducatorwe

👉 Special guests: Julie Schmidt Hasson, Mike Sipple Jr., Herb Monroe

👉 For: Administrators, District Leaders, School Counselors, Teacher Leaders, School Social Workers

If you’re looking for ways to transform mental health support in your school or district, this is for you!

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.

Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders 

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Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.

 

Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast

Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2

 

I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio! 

It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175

I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.