According to new results released recently from the annual Gallup/Lumina Foundation poll, Americans are ready for a renewal of our nation’s higher education system. They overwhelmingly believe that institutions should reduce tuition and fees and want to see a new system of credentials and credits that is defined by learning and competencies rather than time.

To read the full report, please click here.

America’s Call For Higher Education Redesign

“The Gallup/Lumina poll shows that the vast majority of Americans believe that increasing college attainment is essential, while at the same time recognizing that significant change is needed in the current system,” said Jamie P. Merisotis, president of Lumina Foundation. “Americans want a more accessible and affordable system of higher education, one that does more to recognize and reward the personal skills, knowledge and abilities that are genuinely valued in the workplace and can be linked to future learning opportunities.”

A summary of key findings from the Gallup/Lumina Foundation poll includes:

o Americans want a new system of credentials that is focused on learning outcomes and competencies:

o Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they believe students should be able to receive college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the classroom.

o Seventy-five percent indicated they would be more likely to enroll in a higher education program if they could be evaluated and receive credit for what they already know.

o Seventy percent don’t believe learning should be time based and agree that if a student demonstrates they have mastered class material in less than the traditional 16-week session, they should be able to get credit for the course without sitting through the entire 16 weeks.

My take:

o Students enrolled in higher education are graduates of a public school system that ranks in the lowest quintile among all nations with a capital economy. The latest data I saw indicate that about 40% of high school graduates are functional illiterates.

o Public school systems commit resources to what their community values. In Allen (Texas) for example, the high school football team plays in new stadium that cost almost $60-million. How much of available funds are committed to library acquisitions, arts education, self-directed learning, basic economics (e.g. compound interest re savings and debt), and special needs (other than what federal law requires)?

o Parents rather than classroom teachers are responsible for the nature and extent of student commitment to academics when enrolled in school. When not in school, how do students allocate their time among academic and non-academic interests? How much of what they now have (e.g. iPhones, iPads, electronic games, vehicles or at least driving privileges) is paid for by what they have earned?

o On average each year, about 25-30% of the freshman class at a state university flunk out. What does that suggest about their preparation, and, about their commitment to academics?

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To check out the complete report, please click here.