With new higher ed issues arising constantly across countless media and digital channels, staying on top of news can be a time-consuming endeavor. The Hanover research team prioritizes sharing relevant news with each other on a daily basis, in order to provide its higher ed partners with the most up-to-date knowledge on research findings, policy changes, innovations, and events.
Below, education expert and Content Manager of Hanover Research, Amy Moynihan provides you with an exclusive digest of the hard hitting news of the week.
Trending News of the Week
Competency Based Education for Missouri Students
Competency-based education has hit a snag in Missouri. Language added to the state budget bill in the Missouri legislature would make two state scholarship programs available only to students who are attending institutions that are based in Missouri “for purposes of accreditation.” This article supposes two purposes of this bill; the first is to keep students in institutions that are actually located in Missouri and the second is to question the educational quality of other institutions, specifically Western Governors University (which is known for its competency-based education programs). Prior learning and competency-based advocates feel that actions like this stem from a misunderstanding of the curriculums and educational outcomes of programs in this rapidly growing field.
Hanover Research recently completed research on Best Practices in Competency-Based Education Models. In the report, Hanover Research examines best practices CBA, discussing its historical foundations and the modern context and concerns for implementation. We focus on describing institution-level policy considerations and practices, informed by broader discussions, recommendations, and political motivations. Hanover Research also profiles three case studies of exemplary institutions that have pioneered CBA programs in higher education. If you are interested in learning more about this report, e-mail info@hanoverresearch.com.
Major Changes to the SAT
Recently, the College Board announced major changes to the SAT which will be rolled out in 2016. While the new version of the SAT will continue to test reading, writing, and math skills, major changes include a now optional essay, scoring on a 1,600 scale, the option of taking the test on a computer, more focused math concepts, more focus on academic skills and less on obscure vocabulary words, and no penalties for wrong answers. Early commentary on the changes include the possibility that these changes will stem the growth of the ACT relative to the SAT and that the new support for test prep through the partnership with the Khan Academy, along with the changes to the test, will reduce the advantages of wealthier students who can afford extensive test prep.
Relevant Articles:
NY Times, New Yorker, NY Times, Chronicle, Texas Tribune, Fox News
Eliminating Late Course Registrations in Community Colleges
A recent policy change at the College of Southern Nevada eliminates the option for students to register after the beginning of a course. This is designed to improve retention and graduate rates though there is pushback that this policy change may impact individual course enrollment and students needing high levels of support.
Increasing Enrollment of Foreign Students Through Transition Programs
In an effort to attract and better support foreign students, some institutions are using transition programs to help students prepare for and transition to college life in the U.S. Oregon State University partners with a private company, Into University Partnerships, to offer their program. The OSU program, Into Oregon State, has 1,400 students, who are mostly engineering majors from China.
A New Perspective on Helicopter Parenting
The University of Tennessee at Martin is creating a new system to support parents’ interactions with their college students. Described as a landing pad for parents, this system will encourage the actions of helicopter parents. While this term is usually used to critically describe parents who are very actively involved in the lives of their college students, helicopter parenting is encouraged by the university. As 42 percent of the freshmen at the university have parents who did not go to college, this system provides a way to encourage parents to stay involved and know what questions to ask to support their child’s success.
Do HEI Trademarks Go Against the Public Nature of Higher Education?
This recent Chronicle article discusses the trend of HEIs to trademark aspects of their education and research programs in addition to the common trademarks of institutional names, logos, and insignias. This article presents the perspective that this is a repercussion of “hypersensitive image-consciousness and the mistaken belief that any pet phrase needs ‘protection’ in the form of a trademark registration.” As institutions become even more competitive for students and market space, what are some of the concerns that institutions will have? Examples of the trend shared in this article include:
“first-year experience” – The University of South Carolina
“fast-track MBA” - Eastern University (in Pennsylvania)
“be the difference” – Marquette University
“cure violence” when used in relation to “promoting public awareness of violence as a public health epidemic”- University of Illinois
“student life” – Washington University in St. Louis (related to printed publications in response to a student newspaper named “Student Life”
“students with diabetes” – University of South Florida
“one course at a time” -Cornell College
“touched by a nurse” -University of Colorado
“we’re conquering cancer” – University of Texas
“working toward a world without cancer” – (University of Kansas Hospital
“imagination beyond measure” – University of Virginia
Possible Merger of South Carolina Institutions
There are bills in the South Carolina legislature that would combine two Charleston HEIs- the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina- to become Charleston University. The goal of this merger is to create a comprehensive research university that meets the changing needs of the city. While the bills are not expected to pass this year, the issue is nonetheless a serious one for the state and these two institutions in particular.
Additional articles on the possible merger can be found here, here, here, and here.
In addition to the news and trends above, here are some additional stories that caught our attention this week:
Results of the National Freshman Survey
Ed Tech in Higher Ed
The Need for Better Data
Australian Universities Slipping in Global Reputation Rankings
Nine elements to building a sustainable campus
What Do You Believe Was the Most Relevant Higher Ed News of the Week?
Enter the story in the comments below.
_________________________________
About Amy Moynihan:
Amy Moynihan is the Content Manager at Hanover Research, serving as the eyes and ears of the education landscape, and translating trends and research in the education field to keep both Hanover and our clients informed. Amy is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education at The University of Virginia, Curry School of Education. She also holds a M.Ed. from The University of Virginia, Curry School of Education and a B.A. from Columbia University, majoring in American History. If you have any questions regarding higher education topics, e-mail her at amoynihan@hanoverresearch.com.