Technology

Online Learning at Public Universities: Building a New Path to a College Degree

This report describes the findings of a survey regarding online post-secondary programs at public institutions. The survey participants consisted of the chief academic officers of public universities who are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The survey was conducted by AASCU, in collaboration with The Learning House. The report provides a detailed analysis of the infrastructure, finances, marketing, programs offered, impact, and future directions for online programs at public post-secondary institutions.

Using Educational Competencies to Help Students Get Back on Track

This brief uses a model by Jobs for the Future to discuss strategies to get learners on-track to effective educational pathways. The “Back on Track Through College” model indicates three overarching pathway benchmarks: Enriched Preparation, Postsecondary Bridging, and First Year Support. Using these points of entry to organize recommendations, this brief suggests using technology as a tool at all stages so that schools, youth programs, colleges and other organizations may leverage it for off-track students.

Beyond School: Earning Credit for Real-World Experiences

On December 16th, Education Week hosted a Webinar entitled “Beyond School: Earning Credit for Real-World Experiences.” This Webinar discusses an extended learning opportunity (ELO) initiative involving Providence, Rhode Island school district and its nonprofit partner Providence After School Alliance (PASA). In selected high schools throughout the district, students participate in community programs for digital badges and course credit.

Beyond Retrofitting: Innovation in Higher Education

This report presents an overview of the higher education landscape and proposes policy reforms that would lead to innovation in the U.S. higher education system. These recommended reforms are built on four principles: focusing on outcome measures; being open to new providers of higher education; unbundling the components of higher education; and allowing for portability. The report also presents emerging innovative approaches to higher education, such as competency-based models, focused institutions, and assessments of prior learning.

The Shift from Cohorts to Competency

This report discusses the benefits of competency education in the context of digital technology that increases personalization and customization, enabling the management of individual learning progression in a data-driven environment. The report outlines 10 capabilities of a competency-based system including flexibility in time and resources, measuring learning gains, and setting college- and career-ready expectations; and 10 design choices that inform the necessary changes in areas such as school structure, grading, and student support.

Helping Students Get a Head Start on the "Real World": State Strategies for Early High School Graduation

This brief challenges the need for a fourth year of high school, addressing the controversy around “senior year” and its tendency to draw out the high school experience. In proposing the topic of early graduation, the document outlines a number of policy approaches and their successful implementation in various states. Among these programs are scholarship incentives, dual enrollment, virtual classes, and proficiency-based credits.

New CCRS Center Brief: Understanding Accelerated Learning Across Secondary and Postsecondary Education

This month the College and Career Readiness and Success Center (CCRS Center) released a brief titled Understanding Accelerated Learning Across Secondary and Postsecondary Education. Prepared by the American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), the brief catalogs and articulates accelerated learning options across and within secondary and postsecondary education.

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