How Boards Oversee Educational Quality

Over the last decade, assessment of student learning has moved beyond being a topic of discussion solely within the academic community and into the public discourse. Institutions are expected to measure student achievement both to inform and provide accountability to the public, as well as to assure the success of institutional mission.

We regularly hear board members ask how they can learn whether students are receiving the quality education the institution promises. What measures will help them understand student achievement? What information should they have to answer important questions about the academic enterprise? In this era of increased demand for accountability in higher education, AGB was interested in better understanding the role governing boards currently play in monitoring policy making related to educational quality.

With generous support from Lumina Foundation for Education, AGB launched a two-year project—Governance for Student Success—that emphasizes the role of governing boards, working in collaboration with institutional presidents and chancellors, in helping to achieve the nation’s educational needs. Chief among these needs are increasing access, improving graduation rates, and addressing affordability.