The Blueprint for Reform: Accreditation critiques the current accreditation system in higher education, which has shifted from a voluntary advisory role to a regulatory gatekeeper for federal funding. This transformation has fostered inefficiencies, stifled innovation, and redirected resources from teaching and learning. The document provides actionable solutions for state legislators and university trustees, offering strategies to empower states and institutions to reclaim autonomy, reduce compliance burdens, and foster innovation while improving educational quality.
Key Recommendations:
- State Authorization of Accreditors: State legislators should grant institutions the flexibility to choose their accreditors, breaking the monopoly of regionally dominant agencies.
- Prohibit Overreach: Prevent accrediting agencies from imposing policies or mandates that violate state laws or go beyond their intended scope.
- Encourage State-Based Accreditation: States should establish their own accrediting bodies, designed to focus on regional needs and priorities, to counterbalance the federalized system.
- Reduce Federal Control: Work towards reforms that minimize the Department of Education’s reliance on accreditation for determining access to federal funding.
- Focus on Academic Quality: Encourage institutions to prioritize accreditation criteria centered on teaching excellence, student outcomes, and academic rigor rather than compliance-based measures.
- Empower Trustees: Train and educate university trustees to better understand the accreditation process and advocate for reforms that align with institutional missions and state priorities.
These recommendations aim to restore accountability, prioritize student outcomes, and streamline higher education governance.
