2. Competency-based education programs
There has been momentous movement when it comes to competency-based education (CBE) programs, from vendors offering CBE solutions and support, to universities banding together to call for national groups or coalitions to outline CBE pathways, to reports that identify essential steps, faculty roles, and barriers to CBE program success. And for good reason: students are seeking faster and more financially-feasible ways to obtain higher education, and institutions are looking to CBE to attract students and combat declining enrollments.
Most recently, a Public Agenda report funded by the Gates Foundation and the Lumina Foundation revealed that CBE program representatives across the nation seemed to agree that certain elements, including a learner-centered approach and measurable assessments, are critical to a CBE program’s success.
Though CBE programs seem to be growing across the nation, others observe that their growth could be stunted by federal regulations, making the topic one on which the presidential candidates should keep tabs.
3. College accessibility
Colleges and universities must strive to make their online web content accessible, and some groups filed lawsuits alleging violation of anti-discrimination laws.
Montana State University professors authored a report outlining 10 steps to apply Universal Design for Learning to online courses in order to accommodate students with disabilities.
As the popularity of MOOCs grows, providers also must take care to ensure their content meets accessibility requirements and standards.
A panel at the Internet2 Global Summit 2015 discussed how colleges and universities can remain compliant with accessibility requirements.
4. Accreditation in the spotlight
Higher-ed accreditation reached hot-topic status this year as the push to improve accreditation increased. The U.S. Department of Education announced a number of legislative proposals, including increased transparency on accreditation material and establishing a set of standardized, common definitions and data reporting, to help guide Congressional action on improving and reforming accreditation in higher education.
Some say the emergence of for-profit schools has revealed cracks in the accreditation process. In addition, they say, accreditation’s structure itself, as a private entity, leads to problems and oversight.
Others say the process is not broken, but that there do exist areas that could be improved with federal cooperation and transparency. And recently, the California Community Colleges Board of Governors voted to oust the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The vote put into a place a requirement for state education leaders to come up with a plan to replace the commission by March 2016.
On a national level, many agree that a new model is needed.
5. Admissions makeovers
The college admissions process offers another chance for the presidential candidates to stay informed about what goes into the process, how it’s changing, and how policy can adapt to best serve the needs of multiple student populations.
A new survey reveals that more college admissions officers are turning to social media to learn more about applicants.
A report analyzed admissions practices to help shed light on myths that might prompt colleges and universities to place their faith in ineffective admissions practices.
The Harvard Graduate School of Education issued a report with recommendations intended to improve admissions processes and ease pressure on college applicants.
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