One Million Degrees’ Post

We are so pleased there is bipartisan interest in supporting Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs. As policymakers strive to expand access to CBE pathways, we wanted to share our paper and blog post co-published with American Institutes for Research, Postsecondary CBE: A Primer for Policymakers. The paper shares how CBE increases options for learners who have been historically underserved by higher education and the federal policy levers available to support CBE programs. https://lnkd.in/ejCc3Biz

WICHE Commissioner and North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott PhD writes about the importance of school and higher education, specifically highlighting North Dakota’s educational system in this opinion piece: “Some argue that higher education is not worth the investment. I would argue that the value of higher education has never been more important as our residents, businesses, and industries respond to the rapidly changing world that we live in.” Click the link below to read Mark’s full opinion and story. Link: https://lnkd.in/g5ybS2nD #NorthDakota #HigherEd #EducationalSystem #ValueOfEducation

Public Benefit to Private Good Higher education was once regarded as a public good, a cornerstone of societal progress and individual empowerment. However, this perception has shifted, with higher education increasingly seen as a private good. This change can be attributed to several factors, with one significant reason being that institutions became self-centered rather than on student needs and societal benefits. Over time, many institutions adopted an internal achievement, prioritizing research, athletics, and institutional prestige over their core mission of serving students and the public interest. This inward focus has led to escalating costs, reduced accessibility, and a growing disconnect between educational outcomes and societal needs. Consequently, the shift from viewing higher education as a public benefit to a private good has undermined its role as a public good. It is time to challenge the focus of higher education so it can move back to the public good. #highereducation #highered #publicgood #failure

Our latest blog post (4 min read) from Matthew Howling focuses on the top 6 things which we think our clients would like to see from an incoming government to help them navigate the challenges ahead. 👇

🎓 Thought-provoking read on the challenges facing higher education today by Nicholas Ladany. The article emphasizes the need for reform in higher education institutions to prioritize student-centered approaches, teaching excellence, and curriculum relevance. It's time for a dialogue that drives real change in the industry to ensure access to quality education for all students. #HigherEducation #StudentCenteredLearning #EducationReform 📚

The book "Students First - Equity, Access, and Opportunity in Higher Education" by Paul LeBlanc advocates for Competency Based Education (CBE). In his critique of the 'credit hour', he argues that it is an inequitable artefact and not a good measure of learning. Paul demonstrates how the 'credit hour' exacerbates disadvantage, especially for those in poverty. He frames poverty as a time tax, which is difficult to dispute. He says the 'credit hour' reduces social mobility. CBE is self-paced, with no penalty for dipping in and out. Learning is fixed, whereas time is flexible. Paul emphasises the disparity in articulation systems. Our training packages are occupational standards, with no pedagogy or 'curriculum'. CBE is not a pedagogical framework; rather, it is an architecture that may be used in any learning setting. This is why our 'learning and assessment' methodologies are critical and must be evaluated for each and every cohort. Paul, the president of Southern New Hampshire University, appears to be a rare university administrator. It's no coincidence that he led CAEL for years. I've heard whispers in the Australian skills reform about tinkering with our CBE system, alleging it doesn't work. Many of the articles I read about Australia's VET system lack sufficient understanding of training packages. A working understanding of contemporary training packages and a global perspective of where the rest of the world is going with CBE is essential. We should not be prepared to discard our CBE in its entirety. Have a listen while driving home tonight! Dr Caroline Steel Don Presant Jeffrey Lehrer Dr. Zen Parry Dr Merilyn Childs Dr Anitza Geneve Ph.D Kevin Ashford-Rowe Katie Haughney https://lnkd.in/edMDCUuB

ICYMI | Florida is No. 1 in the country for education, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The comprehensive analysis highlighted Florida's achievements in areas such as low in-state tuition, college readiness, and higher education performance, which solidified the state's position as a beacon of educational excellence. The Orlando region is known as a hub for top universities and access to education with renowned institutions offering a diverse range of programs and opportunities. This recognition is a testament to how our region is a prime destination for students seeking quality education and academic advancement, as well as those companies looking to have access to a broad talent pipeline. And that makes Orlando Unbelievably Real✨ 🔗 U.S. News & World Report #OrlandoUnbelievablyReal #education

USU President Betsy Cantwell and U of U President Taylor Randall share the value of higher education in this opinion piece. They say: "...higher education yields significant benefits for individuals and society." Read more below. Elizabeth Cantwell Taylor Randall #bwfhighereducation

In Diverse: Issues In Higher Education, I discussed how systemic inequalities are limiting higher education opportunities. At Pace University, we are aiming to address these barriers and ensure all students can pursue the transformative power of higher education.

Shifting from Reaction to Strategy: Building a Solid Future for Higher Education On Let's Talk Ed this week, we delve into the critical importance of long-term strategies and plans for the future success of higher education! Join us: Zahi Atallah, Chris Forde, and Kirby Lund in as we explore key aspects shaping the future trajectory of academia. In our first segment, entitled "Shifting from Reaction to Strategy: Building a Solid Future for Higher Education”, we uncover the imperative need to transition from reactive measures to proactive strategies in higher education. We highlight how we believe that strategizing and planning can lay the path to a thriving future in academia. In Segment 2: "Boosting Morale: The Transformative Power of Long-Term Planning in Colleges”, we discuss the profound impact of long-term planning on morale within colleges. We talk about how piling up on the already loaded plate of staff and faculty leads to low morale. We also talk about the need to review all processes and ridding ourselves of legacy and traditional ways of doing business. We argue that foresight and planning can empower faculty, staff, and students. It all revolves around fostering a positive, effective, responsive, and resilient academic community. In our final segment: "Shaping Higher Education's Future by Navigating the Intersection of Politics, Ideology, and Money”, we delve into the intricate interplay of politics, ideology, and financial considerations in shaping the future of higher education. We believe that higher education has an educational role to play to gain the confidence of the public. But also, academia has the duty to constantly redevelop and re-envision itself.  Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe. Your support helps us grow to serve learners better! #LetsTalkEd #FutureofEducation #Growth Mindset #StudentSuccess #HigherEducationAccountability #LongTermPlanning #HigherEdLeadership #AcademicInnovation #StrategicForesight #EducationalStrategy #CollegeMorale #EducationPolicy #FinancialConsiderations #HigherEdReform #InstitutionalPlanning #AcademicCommunity #EducationEquity #EducationAdvocacy