Bert's Alerts—Oct. 20, 2017

Over the past months, I had the opportunity to participate in the 36-member Higher Education Task Force. The group, comprised of business leaders, legislators, and educators, was formed by Governor Butch Otter to address issues facing higher education and provide a roadmap for Idahoans to acquire the education and training needed for current and future jobs. It was exciting to provide insight to the group and to share the strategies we have incorporated at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) to adapt and thrive. Our ability to work closely with employers in the community to deliver high-quality instruction and adjust quickly to changes in the marketplace, makes CWI an education leader in the state. CWI’s faculty and teachers are preparing students to excel in the workforce, instilling critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

The task force broke into sub-committees to tackle specific issues surrounding Access and Affordability, Outcomes Supporting Workforce, K-20 Pipeline, Communication and Execution, and a Funding Formula. I was part of the Access and Affordability group. We focused on a digital delivery system, providing a dynamic and uniform education level, to empower students who live in rural areas and adults juggling work and families. Our sub-committee also recommended increasing funding for merit-based and need-based state scholarships.

On Sept. 15, the task force finalized its findings and submitted recommendations to the Idaho Board of Education.  

K-20 Pipeline – Guided Pathways

This comprehensive program will assist students from kindergarten through graduate school and includes parent engagement, student academic and career planning, proactive advising, work-based learning and community engagement. Advising will start by the end of eighth grade. In addition, dual credit courses should be more uniform to ease transferability.

Partnering with Industry

Develop credit-bearing internships, apprenticeships and co-op programs to act as a conduit between higher education and careers.

Updating 60 Percent Goal

By 2025, 60 percent of Idahoans between the ages 25 to 34 should have a post-secondary education with professional career technical certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.

“Systemness” Model

Colleges and universities will incorporate systems to increase efficiencies and cost savings as they move towards an integrated centralized and student-centric system.

Outcomes-based funding

The state will incorporate an outcomes-based funding model for higher education – focusing on the number of degrees and certificates awarded. A systematic approach would be applied to academic programs as well as Career and Technical Education.

Improved Certificate and Degree Completion

The digital campus will provide students who are place-bound or time-bound the opportunity to access a postsecondary education.

Competency-Based programs

Students could earn degrees and certificates through mastery of subject matter, not only time spent in class.

Credits from the Workplace

Students will be eligible for credits in workforce training.

Outcomes supporting Workforce

There should be a strong partnership between education and industry to help meet Idaho’s workforce needs.

Digital Campus

A statewide digital campus will connect the educational system and use community outreach centers – eliminating barriers created by location restraints and preparing students for post-secondary education.

Additional Scholarship Funds

The group recommended increasing funding for merit-based and need-based state scholarships as well as lowering the GPA requirement for Opportunity Scholarship eligibility.

The Idaho State Board of Education reviewed the recommendations and sent a final report to Governor Otter at the end of September. Although the task force has submitted its recommendations, work continues to develop metrics for Outcomes Based Funding. The collaborative effort by business, industry, education leaders, and our state government to advance higher education in Idaho is encouraging. I’m hopeful our efforts will result in better opportunities for students, yet I fully realize this is an aggressive initiative which will take time to implement. As work and conversations continue, I will share updates and progress on these topics.