Virginia House Bill HB1226

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/22
• Refer: 1/19/22
• Report Pass: 2/9/22
• Engrossed: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/3/22

Caption

Higher educational institutions, baccalaureate public; SCHEV shall conduct a productivity analysis.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to impact state laws governing higher education by introducing mandates for reporting and analysis. This could lead to increased scrutiny on academic programs and their relevance, potentially influencing budget allocations and program continuity at state-funded colleges and universities. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of measurable outcomes in justifying the existence of academic offerings in public institutions, fostering a culture of accountability in higher education.

Summary

House Bill 1226 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within Virginia's higher education system by requiring baccalaureate public institutions to report metrics and data used for evaluating academic programs. Each institution is mandated to compile and submit an analytical report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2022, detailing how it determines whether to continue or eliminate specific academic programs based on performance metrics over the past decade. This initiative emphasizes data-driven decision-making in education policy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1226 reflects a push for reform within the education sector, with supporters advocating for more rigorous standards in evaluating academic programs. Proponents believe this bill will help eliminate underperforming programs, ensuring that state resources are allocated to the most effective areas. Conversely, some critics might express concern that such mandates could lead to the unwarranted elimination of valuable but less popular programs, questioning whether the reliance on data alone can capture the full value of academic offerings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1226 include the potential implications for program diversity and accessibility within higher education. The bill raises questions about the criteria for evaluation and whether certain fields of study, particularly those that are essential yet may not demonstrate immediate metrics of success, could be disproportionately affected. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the administrative burden this bill places on institutions, which may require additional resources to meet the reporting requirements.