One issue facing online learning has been finding ways
for institutions to offer online programs that meet the Department of
Education’s state authorization rules. Those regulations force colleges and
universities that offered online programs to register in every state.
While the authorization requirement was struck down by
the federal courts earlier this year, most experts believe it will be back when
Congress gets around to reauthorizing the Higher Education Act next year. So,
state regulators, staff from regional higher-education compacts, key
stakeholders, and other experts have been meeting to draft an agreement that
would make it easier to get state approval for online classes that are
available to students throughout the nation.
The goal of the agreement would be to “eliminate
redundancies and inefficiencies for states and higher-education institutions by
establishing ‘reciprocity’ among states that sign on to the effort,” according
to a report in eCampus News.
The project, a joint effort by the Council of State Governments and The
Presidents’ Forum, would reform the regulatory review and approval process that
governs postsecondary institutions offering degrees across state lines and
require each state to approve the terms of any agreement.
“I’ve looked at the authorization issue from all sides
and reciprocity is still the best answer to meet everyone’s needs, especially
the student,” said Russell Poulin, deputy director of research and analysis at
the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s Cooperative for
Educational Technologies.
