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Article in the New England Journal of Higher Education by Anthony Carnevale that counters arguments that the push for more college degrees is unnecessary resulting in overeducation and malemployment.

Summarizes preliminary results from performance-based scholarship programs in Ohio, New York, and New Mexico, in addition to the original results in Louisiana. The results show modest but positive effects on markers of academic progress, including increases in credits earned. (MDRC, May 2012)

Article on CUNY's new community college that is cohort based and offers intense services to students, while limiting degree options. Goal is to significantly increase graduation rates.

Story on two new reports from the Center for American Progress that argues for a larger role for the federal government in college completion efforts. With many metro areas spanning two states, state policies often stand in the way of coordinated efforts. The other paper challenges the traditional credit as a model for measuring success. The paper proposes better assessments for prior learning

Story on Tennessee's standing in the new CCA report, Certificates Count

Discusses plans by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt an outcomes-based funding formula for its community colleges and public universities. The plan would reward student completion, instead of simply student enrollment. See recommendations on THECB web site. http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/11/02/texas

Governor McDonnell of Virginia proposes $50 million in new funding for higher education to increase access and affordability. The goal of the proposal is to increase the number of degrees in the state by 100,000.

Paper developed for the National Productivity Conference hosted by the Lumina Foundation. The paper outlines their new state strategy lab model for how states can increase postsecondary productivity in a time of limited resources

Reappointment of Higher Ed commissioner

Story on the colleges that will test the new Voluntary System of Accountability for Community colleges

New NBER report on performance based scholarships.

Concern over the new performance based funding model in Indiana.

Background on Minnesota higher education committee members.

Overview of higher education issues for the 2011 Tennessee legislature

A new $2 billion federal grant program for community and for-profit colleges is designed to help retrain trade-displaced workers and accomplish some of the goals proposed under the American Graduation Initiative to increase college completion rates. The program will impose strict accountability requirements and compel participants to make academic materials available to the public. (Inside Higher Ed, 01/21/11)

Facing dwindling state dollars and more pressure to graduate students, Texas community colleges may begin steering students who test at the lowest skill levels toward shorter vocational programs or adult basic education before attempting college academics. (San Antonio Express-News, 01/21/11)

Describes a new effort by UMass - Amherst to recruit community college graduates to the state university's flagship campus. Starting this fall, UMass will offer students who transfer from community colleges with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average priority course registration and housing, scholarships to cover hefty student fees, and special advising services. (Boston Globe, 03/22/11)

Article discusses CUNY's proposal to create a common general education framework across its all of its two- and four-year colleges, and a new transfer agreement. (Inside Higher Ed, 04/21/11)

Article describes effort by Gates Foundation and HCM Strategists to use student financial aid to provide incentives to help students attain a high-value credential. (Inside Higher Ed, 08/07/12)

Focuses on four areas where states can drive a more productive higher education system to improve degree completion while maintaining quality. The four steps include: Performance funding, student incentives, new models and business efficiencies. (Lumina Foundation for Education, August 2011)