CS Forward’s Post

Fascinating read, even if you’re not a higher education policy wonk. (If you don’t have Apple News, I highly recommend finding another way to read this article.) Besides the frustration of the FAFSA rollout itself, there are a couple of key lessons in here for public administrators that this case demonstrates perfectly: 1) the importance of having staff experienced not just in policy development but in implementation; and 2) the need for new leaders to fully understand the magnitude of policy changes that they have inherited, rather than just assuming that they’re “taken care of” so they can move on to advancing their own agenda.

https://lnkd.in/eXTTSgjV Great commentary in USA Today by Justin Lonon, Chancellor of the Dallas Community College District. The irony is the proposal would actually increase junk fees not reduce them -like online seller restocking fees and apply sales taxes on financial aid for textbooks, supplies, and equipment in a number of states where they are currently exempt as they are part of tuition. The U.S. Department of Education proposal also will lead to many institutions no longer reporting books and supplies costs as part of tuition and fees on the 1098-T and students who use the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit from being able to claim these costs when included in tuition and fees under certain circumstances. You can help the Biden administration ditch this bad draft proposal by visiting https://lnkd.in/e2PtnvVr and tell policymakers not to do this.

Key education policy decisions that will shape the future of our schools and nation are being made. From the purpose of education to the integration of artificial intelligence, and how we measure success in an ever-changing world, these are the debates that will define the next generation. While the conversation is national, the action is local. State legislatures have been busy this legislative cycle. Dive into the blog Jennifer Ellis, Ziyu Zhou, and I wrote to explore the education bills that caught our attention. For a deeper dive, check out our State Policy Center for more insights and resources. https://lnkd.in/e87p_2jD

Dear Grambling State University, before we become amassed with the selection of candidates for the President's position, let's look at WHERE they are coming from. For instance, let's look at the current accreditation status of Virginia Union University. Do we need a candidate who is coming from another HBCU with accreditation problems? According to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Virginia Union University has been placed on warning due to non-compliance with core requirements relating to board governance and financial documentation, as well as several standards that address administrative effectiveness in reporting student outcomes and the university’s financial and program responsibilities under Title IV. The warning was issued after a determination of non-compliance with core requirements relating to board governance and financial documentation, as well as several standards that address administrative effectiveness in reporting student outcomes and the university’s financial and program responsibilities under Title IV. Accreditation is important for several reasons. It ensures the quality of the educational programs colleges and universities deliver. It also is required to receive federal funds for higher education, including student financial aid and research funds. Accreditation, or lack thereof, can also affect students’ ability to transfer credits to another institution or gain acceptance into certain graduate schools and professional organizations. To be removed from warning, Virginia Union University must correct the deficiencies or make satisfactory progress toward compliance. If it does not, the SACSCOC can take further action that could include probation or removal from membership. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., Ph.D., since you are a semi-finalist for the President's position at Grambling State University, please advise.

Wow. Today the governor of Louisiana signed HB 762 that removes the requirement of students in Louisiana to take the ACT. For those who may be new to our state graduation pathways we currently have two. The TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) pathway and the Jumpstart pathway. The TOPS pathway is geared for students who want to pursue college. In order to tap into this state merit based scholarship, a student has to score a 20 on the ACT. The Jumpstart pathway is geared towards students pursuing credentials or community college. The TOPS TECH award (for students interested in these options) also has an ACT component to tap into funding. It is no secret that I have engaged in healthy debate about both the pathways and the scores/requirements attached to it. - Is this tracking? - Are parents properly informed on the pros and cons of each pathway? - Why is the 20 ACT still connected given only 12% of African American students score above a 19. 👀🤷🏾♀️ Now students aren’t required to take the ACT. Will the score continue to be attached to funding? Will students and families be advised on next steps? How do we know a student wants to only pursue a credential in 8th grade? And let’s remember we are the same state that said NO to a required FAFSA. I’d love to deep dive into the data surrounding these pathways and aggregated by ethnicity and SES status. Can’t seem to find it.😳

Trying to understand #college pricing? Here’s a worthwhile piece to read: https://lnkd.in/eiYDpa7A

While I am not sure how earnings data could reasonably be tracked long term (5,10,15 years post graduation) for higher education graduates as suggested by a new accreditor’s proposal, it is an intriguing idea. Accountability in higher education should be the goal. It will be interesting to see how things progress for the very new and privately funded nonprofit Postsecondary Commission (PSC, https://lnkd.in/ggUKAwgi). #highereducationaccountability

Last week, the Department of Education announced a broad package of regulations, partially aimed at preventing schools from withholding transcripts for credits paid for with Title IV aid. While it's expected that institutions want to collect past-due student balances, Inside Higher Ed shared that 'Without their transcripts, students often can’t continue their education elsewhere without starting over, and they cannot apply for certain jobs. The practice has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with dozens of states enacting their own bans.' So, what's a school to do? ECSI has developed a better way. Our student-friendly approach to past-due account resolution protects students from transcript holding and credit bureau reporting - leading to better student outcomes and higher graduation rates. ➡ https://lnkd.in/eu48eX5

📣 How do you plan on overcoming the challenges with the new regulations? Check out ECSI's solution for students and institutions. ✨