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On November 14, the Governor’s Commission on Postsecondary Education unanimously approved a series of recommendations to further strengthen Pennsylvania’s higher education system. Jerry Eckert, vice president of advancement at Millersville, served on the 31-member panel comprised of leaders in postsecondary education and business.
“We were asked to identify key issues and review current policies, procedures, regulations and legislation that impact postsecondary education in Pennsylvania and develop long range strategies,” explained Eckert. “We also evaluated trends in education including the role of technology and how education can increase collaborations with the private sector and government.”
The panel was chaired by Rob Wonderling, chief executive officer and president of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The commission met throughout the Commonwealth over the course of several months to complete its charge.
Commission recommendations included providing students with a passport for learning – an education app store to help students, parents and adult learners make informed choices about postsecondary education and training programs; implementing targeted, flexible work-ready dual enrollment programs; helping students become college/career ready by supporting competency-based programs and improving access to remediation programs for K-16 schools including Career and Technical Education programs and GED preparation programs; and higher and more predictable funding to post secondary education institutions with a meaningful percentage tied to a Performance Scorecard that holds these institutions accountable to targeted performance levels such as tuition and cost containments.
The recommendations also call for providers to examine opportunities for consolidation and collaboration, improve innovation and become more transparent to prepare students, parents and adult learners to make informed financial choices.
To obtain a full copy of the commission report, visit the Advisory Commission’s website.
