Connecticut Senate Bill SB00402

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Establishing A Task Force To Develop A Higher Education Performance Incentive Program.

Impact

If enacted, SB00402 would significantly impact state funding methodologies for higher education by introducing financial incentives tied to performance metrics. This shift aims to elevate the quality of education while ensuring that the institutions meet essential benchmarks that reflect both student needs and institutional missions. The task force's work would be crucial in defining these benchmarks to ensure they are relevant to each institution's unique context, potentially leading to more tailored educational offerings and improved student outcomes.

Summary

SB00402 proposes the establishment of a task force aimed at developing a performance incentive program for public higher education institutions. This initiative focuses on ensuring that at least seven percent of state funding is allocated based on specific performance benchmarks, which include metrics such as graduation rates, efficiency in operations, and support for low-income and minority students. The performance benchmarks are designed to encourage colleges and universities to enhance educational outcomes and align their goals with the needs of their student populations.

Contention

The introduction of performance-based funding may raise concerns among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that rewarding institutions for meeting specific performance metrics would drive improvements in education quality and efficiency. However, critics may express concerns regarding how these metrics are defined and the potential for unintended consequences, such as neglecting less quantifiable aspects of the educational experience or disproportionately impacting institutions serving lower-income populations. Engaging with these stakeholders will be critical to the success of the task force's efforts.