By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Education Achievement Authority of Michigan has shaken–up the way students learn and are graded in a new approach called student-centered learning.

It’s performance- based, not time-based to ensure that students do not get to graduation with low skills. The first group of struggling schools started in July in Detroit in which students are placed with others of their age.

Two weeks later they took placement tests to determine skill levels traditionally covered by 8th grade.

Teachers are known by skill levels, not grade levels and assign ability levels to students who log into math, English, science and social studies.

Students are provided with computers for work at home, a library or school and then must give evidence of mastery through tests and projects.

Other districts have adopted such plans calling them content-based, performance-based, proficiency-based and personalized learning. according to an article in Education Week.

Research has revealed good results from the approach in both engagement and achievement.