Griffin Works to Cut Costs and Expand Educational Opportunities for Students

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement today after the House passed the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act (H.R. 3136):

"While colleges and universities innovate to provide students with new educational opportunities, Congress must ensure that federal policies support efforts to reduce costs for students pursuing a college degree as school expenses continue to rise. By supporting new methods and technological advances to help measure students' actual learning instead of relying on outdated methods, such as "credit hours,' for student aid, this bill will enable students in Arkansas and around the country to receive a high-quality education in a more personalized, cost-effective way."

H.R. 3136 promotes innovation in higher education by directing the Secretary of Education to implement competency-based education demonstration projects. The secretary is authorized to waive current statutory and regulatory requirements that impede the creation of competency-based education programs. It provides accountability by requiring an annual evaluation of each demonstration project to determine program quality, the progress of participating students towards earning a degree, obstacles related to student financial assistance and the extent to which other legal barriers may exist that prevent the success of competency-based education. The bill delivers greater flexibility to institutions that want to provide education to students in a way that better serves their personal and financial needs.

Source