The American Mind cover image

The American Mind

Higher Education Reform Part II | Cincinnatus Series

Feb 12, 2025
Scott Yenor, a senior director at the Center for the American Way of Life, Frederick Hess, an education policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, and Beth Akers, a fellow specializing in education economics, delve into critical issues in higher education. They advocate for state legislators to enhance accountability in universities, shifting focus from research to quality teaching. The discussion critiques inflated grading practices, redefines faculty workloads, and promotes transparency, arguing for reforms that prioritize effective student education and school choice for all families.
45:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • State legislatures must enforce accountability measures in higher education to ensure student engagement equates to academic mastery and value for tuition.
  • Higher education institutions should prioritize effective teaching in faculty evaluations to enhance student outcomes and reduce distractions from academic success.

Deep dives

Oversight of Higher Education Responsibilities

Legislators should increase their oversight of higher education institutions by requiring deans, provosts, and chancellors to account for student workloads and educational outcomes. There is a significant concern that students often do not engage fully in their studies while still paying high tuition fees. This oversight can involve examination of course documentation and student work, highlighting the need for accountability in institutions that are funded by taxpayer dollars. By enforcing stricter evaluation measures, lawmakers can ensure that students earn their diplomas based on genuine academic achievement rather than minimal effort.

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