Panel calls for ‘urgent reform’ of higher education

Warning that U.S. higher education "requires urgent reform," a national panel created by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings is recommending a set of bold proposals, including overhauling the financial aid system and holding colleges and universities more accountable for their students’ progress.

"Change is overdue," says a draft report, the substance of which was approved by the 19-member commission Thursday. "Other countries are passing us by at a time when education is more important to our collective prosperity than ever."

Last year, Spellings asked the panel to explore four issues — access, affordability, accountability, and quality and innovation — and to determine whether students are being adequately prepared to compete in a global economy.

"I formed the commission to spark a national debate," she said in a statement Thursday. "I will review findings, determine appropriate actions and continue this national dialogue."

REPORT PROPOSALS

• Streamline the "maze" of financial aid programs; increase need-based aid.

• Develop a "program of cost-cutting and productivity improvements" at colleges.

• Create a "consumer-friendly" database so consumers and others can compare institutions.

• Create a tracking system to collect and analyze information on individual student performance.

• Increase federal investment in fields such as science that are crucial to global competitiveness.

By Mary Beth Marklein, USA TODAY

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2006-08-10-higher-education-reform_x.htm