Translating Competencies into “I Can” Statements

A GUIDE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING AND LEARNER GROWTH

How do broad competencies become meaningful, measurable learning experiences? Making Standards Meaningful for Learners is a practical one-pager that helps school librarians and educators turn the AASL Standards into clear outcomes, lesson objectives, and student-friendly “I can” statements.

Grounded in competency-based education, this resource explains how the National School Library Standards prioritize mastery, flexibility, and personalized growth. It clarifies the progression from Competency → Outcome → Objective, showing how big-picture learning goals translate into daily instruction and assessment.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A clear explanation of competency-based education in action
  • A step-by-step breakdown of competencies, outcomes, and lesson objectives
  • Sample instructional scenarios that demonstrate real-world application
  • Grade-band examples of “I can” statements to support student ownership
  • Guidance on using the Think, Create, Share, and Grow Domains as an instructional lens
  • Reflection strategies that position competencies as tools for ongoing growth—not one-time evaluation

Whether you’re collaborating with classroom teachers, designing inquiry units, or refining assessment practices, this guide supports intentional planning aligned to the AASL Standards.

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Image of an AASL handout titled "Rooted in Excellence" shows the elements of the standards thougjh the lifecycle of a tree where the Common Beliefs are the Roots and the Competencies are the leaves, and everything else in between.
Cover of ‘Assessing Learners: Using the AASL Standards to Measure Competency and Growth’ by Elizabeth A. Burns, featuring illustrations of two people interacting with large books and a plant—one with a magnifying glass, the other climbing a ladder. Includes AASL logo and ‘National School Library Standards’ label.

Turn learning goals into meaningful evidence of learning.

Explore practical strategies for connecting clear learning goals, learner-centered assessment, and evidence of learning to help students understand what they are learning and demonstrate their growth.