July 13, 2007

As West Virginia’s economy and demographics continue to evolve, all facets of government must change with them. That is especially true for our educational system, in particular our higher education system. So it is fitting that last month the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability heard a report regarding goals for the next five years that included many changes.

Clearly, the quality and effectiveness of our educational system is directly linked not only to the future of our children, but also to the success of our economy. We need a quality work force to attract good jobs, and vise versa. In an update on the Higher Education Policy Commission’s "master plan" for 2007 through 2012, it is noted that the state "must prepare students to compete in this knowledge-intensive, global economy, while also providing a range of post-secondary education options to facilitate state economic growth."

"We are aiming for an economy that is private-sector driven, globally competitive, and founded on high skill/wage jobs."

The commission’s plan centers on the importance of partnerships, entrepreneurship and research. It focuses on four major aspects of the educational system:

1) Economic Growth: The commission is aiming to prepare students for a knowledge intensive, global economy by developing and enhancing relevant programs, centers and curricula. More students should graduate in shortage areas, such as science, technology, engineering and math. Adults should be encouraged to seek continuing education and lifetime learning opportunities. And very importantly, the state must develop more partnerships with public and private employers for training and employment.

2) Access: West Virginia must reach out to a broader range of students – varying ages, hometowns and educational backgrounds. Students should have greater access, but they also should be well prepared for post-secondary education. There are three factors involved: adequate preparation, accessible information and cost.

The commission plans to work with secondary school officials to ensure students are properly prepared. Officials will work to facilitate the transition from secondary to post-secondary education and enhance outreach efforts. Areas of particular focus are advising, course delivery, transfer of college credit to improve access, cost reduction and accelerating degree completion.

3) Affordability: The commission notes that the funding makeup of West Virginia’s universities has shifted away from a primary reliance on state money toward student-generated tuition and fee revenues. "Thus, tuition and fee levels have risen rapidly over the last five to seven years, ending what was once an advantageous and sound policy of being a low-fee state."

The Legislature has recently turned quite a bit of attention toward this problem, and the result has been grant and scholarship programs. But the commission plans to further address the issue by putting in place a unified finance, financial aid and accountability system.

4) Learning and Accountability: The public needs the assurance that the higher education system is in fact meeting stringent goals and standards. The commission seeks to increase the number of degrees awarded; expand graduate and professional education programs; expand research commitments, particularly at West Virginia University and Marshall University; refine and strengthen student assessment of student learning; improve student retention; increase six-year graduation rates; and ensure the quality of teachers and faculty at both the secondary and higher education levels.

The Higher Education Policy Commission is on the right track. I’ll be interested to hear updates on the progress of this new plan, which is crucial to our economic future.

I welcome and appreciate your input on these or any other legislative issues. Write to House Majority Leader Joe DeLong, Building 1, Room 228-M, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, 25305, or joe@joedelong.com, or call 304-340-3220.