AGENDA ITEM IV A – B
A. Commissioner’s Report on Higher Education
B. Discussion of issues related to determining the resources needed to close the
gaps
RECOMMENDATION:
No action required
Background Information:
At the October 2005 Board meeting, Commissioner Paredes provided the Board
with recommendations on developing the framework for a strategic plan to achieve the
goals of Closing the Gaps. In his report on higher education, the Commissioner will
discuss the resources that are needed to close the gaps in student participation, student
success, institutional excellence and research. The three critical issues he will focus on
are:
1) Technology – what are cost effective and superior ways to deliver instruction
and improve learning?
2) Facilities – how do you use facilities more effectively? How do you extend the
use of facilities during the week, including weekends, and during the
summer?
3) Financial aid – is there a way to expand work-study in a way to address the
cost of accommodating 630,000 new students? Should the state create more
forgivable loan programs in critical shortage areas such as nursing, teaching
and other fields?
These specific issues will be addressed in the larger context of this fundamental
question; how to create greater access to and opportunity in higher education while
simultaneously improving cost-effectiveness and accountability.
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