The Value-Based Accountability Policy Era

Last week I published a new report that takes a look at the evolution of policy making in higher education over the last 50 years. The idea I wanted to capture was that policy making has covered a number of different “eras” that were defined by buzzwords, or concepts, that too narrowly focused our attention on one aspect of reform. I explain in the paper that I’m thrilled that we’ve now moved solidly into the “value” era. Value is a concept that more aptly captures the goals that individuals and society have for higher education. And I believe that the steps lawmakers have taken to align incentives under this new framing will allow higher education in our nation to serve us better. Check out the paper here.

Along those same lines, I’ll be hosting a public event in DC next week on the topic of accountability policy, including the launching of a new report by the Postsecondary Commission with Mathematica that uses novel access to data to measure value-added earnings in higher education in a manner that may (hopefully) prove to be the future of policy making. The event will include a presentation of this new research along with two panel discussions. The first will be on the technical aspects of measuring value in higher education, with a discussion of the methods used in the report. That will be moderated by my colleague, Preston Cooper. The second will be a forward looking conversation that aims to cross party lines. I’ll be moderating that one myself. I’m super excited for this and hope you can join us either in person or virtually.

Please check out more information here, including the incredible cast of experts who will be participating, and sign up to attend.