Accountability

States throughout the nation are being challenged to develop higher education accountability systems that are designed to measure progress of shared goals and which also serve to identify strategies for continuous improvement.  Missouri has a 20-year history of accountability systems development and reporting, and the MDHE is currently working with institutions and other partners to identify the key goals and indicators which will comprise a next-generation accountability system to promote educational attainment and quality across the state.

The Coordinating Board, presidents and chancellors of public institutions, and the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) staff have initiated a process to place a renewed emphasis on an accountability framework for Missouri's system of public higher education.  The Office of the Governor has also indicated interest in the implementation of a system of accountability for higher education in conjunction with increases in base funding levels for public institutions, as well as the potential re-introduction of performance funding in Missouri. 

In addition, recent higher education legislation in Missouri mandates the establishment performance measures by academic year 2008-2009. The legislation requires the development of institutional and statewide performance measures and directs the MDHE to report biannually on progress developing statewide measures to the legislative Joint Committee on Education.

The MDHE looks forward to working with all partners to further this important process.

Links:

The following links detail recent work in assessment and accountability at the state level:

CBHE Agenda Item, April 6, 2006
Continued Conversations about Accountability Models

Provides a historical framework and timeline of accountability initiatives in Missouri, as well as guiding principles for the use of data in accountability reporting.

CBHE Agenda Item, December 14, 2006
Higher Education Accountability (Performance Funding)

Summarizes discussion of the reintroduction of performance funding for public colleges and universities within a broader accountability framework.

Senate Bill 389 (pdf)

Higher education legislation as passed by the Missouri General Assembly and directing the development of statewide and institutional performance measures; Section 173.1006 pertains specifically to performance measures.