In higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for comparison tool.
Impact
If enacted, HB2152 will affect the state's Public School Code by requiring the Department of Education to create a publicly accessible online tool that outlines data about colleges and universities. This data will include key information about High Priority Occupations within Pennsylvania, searchable by county, reflecting educational attainment, wages, and employment demand. The requirement for higher education institutions to deliver this information annually will standardize data reporting across the state, making educational data more accessible to the public.
Summary
House Bill 2152 aims to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education by introducing a comparison tool that allows individuals to compare institutions based on various criteria such as specific majors or programs. This tool is intended to provide potential students with valuable information about educational options, thereby improving informed decision-making in the selection of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that institutions of higher education report necessary data to facilitate the effective operation of this comparison tool.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB2152 seems to be neutral to positive, with proponents emphasizing the importance of transparency and informed choices in higher education. Supporters likely view the comparison tool as a beneficial resource for students and families navigating the education system. However, there may be potential concerns from institutions regarding the burden of compliance and the reliability of data reporting, as well as the impact on student perceptions of various institutions.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the data that institutions are required to provide, including concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted to the department. Institutions might argue that they are already meeting various reporting requirements and the additional obligation may impose extra workloads. Nonetheless, the primary focus of the bill remains on enhancing consumer access to data, allowing students to make better-informed decisions regarding their education.
In transfers of credits between institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for duties of public institutions of higher education, providing for guaranteed admission, for reports to General Assembly and for dispute resolution and further providing for Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee, for duties of department and for applicability; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for definitions and providing for student fee transparency; and providing for institutions of higher education and Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program.
In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.
In higher education accountability and transparency, providing for economic and workforce impact review by State-related universities; and imposing duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.