HOUSE BILL REPORT
HCR 4408


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Higher Education

Brief Description: Requesting approval of the statewide strategic master plan for higher education.

Sponsors: Representatives Wallace, Haigh and Sells.

Brief History:

Higher Education: 1/14/08, 1/30/08 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Outlines the Legislature's vision statement regarding the importance and contributions of expanding access to higher education.
  • Outlines several specific statements of legislative policy intent to expand access, affordability, and accountability for the higher education system.
  • Provides a general overview of the research, collaborative development efforts, and policy recommendations included in the strategic master plan.
  • Approves the statewide strategic master plan for higher education.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Hankins, Hasegawa, Jarrett, McIntire, Roberts, Schmick and Sommers.

Staff: Andi Smith (786-7304).

Background:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) is charged with developing a statewide strategic master plan for higher education, encompassing all sectors including workforce training, the two-year system, the four-year system and financial aid. In 2007, the Legislature mandated that the plan span a 10-year planning horizon and include a vision and measurable goals to expand access, affordability, quality, efficiency, and accountability.

The Legislature must approve or recommend changes to the plan by concurrent resolution, after which the HECB will incorporate legislative changes and adopt a final plan by June 2008.

The plan points out several challenges to ensuring that the state maintains high levels of educational attainment.

The master plan has two primary goals:

The master plan sets degree and certificate goals to increase to Global Challenge State (GCS) benchmarks:

The master plan then sets out several strategies and policy objectives to expand opportunity and promote economic prosperity. The HECB will engage in an intensive study and planning process with stakeholders to develop specific recommendations for the Legislature to consider in its planning efforts during the 2009-2011 biennium. Work will be conducted to inform three overarching strategies:

Build enrollment and support student success

The proposed master plan also recommends the HECB engage stakeholders to develop a detailed enrollment plan to achieve the master plan's goals. The HECB will also work with stakeholders, during the same time frame, to complete a study of the physical, technological, and programmatic capacity needs, and the resources needed to meet the degree and enrollment goals.

Promote growth and innovation
The HECB recognizes that in a knowledge-driven economy, higher education plays a vital role in promoting economic growth. However, getting the full potential economic gain from higher education requires careful planning to respond to specific economic opportunities. Policy goals are listed below:

Monitor and fund higher education for results
The HECB advocates for a dramatic increase in the number of degrees and certificates over the next 10 years. However, in order to achieve the magnitude of system-wide growth, the HECB advocates for changes in the way that higher education is monitored and funded. Policy goals include:


Summary of Substitute Bill:

The Legislature defines its larger vision for development of higher education and includes several statements of legislative policy intent. Summary information regarding the research, policy strategies, and collaborative development processes that were part of the strategic master planning process are outlined. The House of Representatives and the Senate approve the statewide strategic master plan. The HECB must work with relevant stakeholders to collaboratively refine the strategies and next steps required for implementation of the plan. The HECB submits a report to the Higher Education committees on progress implementing the master plan by February 1, 2009.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:               

The substitute bill includes language that outlines the Legislature's long-term vision for higher education. In addition, several statements of specific legislative policy intent are included that reiterate major policy themes in the plan as well as add new content. In general, the policy statements outline goals for increasing access, affordability, completion, and accountability. For instance, the concurrent resolution now includes statements regarding the Legislature's intent to expand Bachelor's and advanced degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences; maintain the state's leadership role in providing need-based financial aid; develop capacity to serve nontraditional students; and coordinate Washington's various postsecondary accountability systems to focus on achieving goals as outlined in the strategic master plan.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Stakeholders spoke extensively about the HECBs process in developing the plan. They appreciated the level of inclusiveness and responsiveness to different constituent groups. They stated that they are also committed to working together on implementation because there is alignment and agreement on a strategic direction. Stakeholders also felt that each sector within higher education, be it public Baccalaureates and community colleges, private Baccalaureates, workforce development programs, private career colleges, or student groups were well represented. Each of the groups also indicated that they wanted to be included in workgroups that are formed to implement the plan.

Persons Testifying: Bill Grinstein and Ann Daley, Higher Education Coordinating Board; John Purdy, Western Washington University Council of Faculty Representatives; Ed Yakimchick - Everest College and Reed Hackett - Devry University, Northwest Career Colleges; Sandi Swarthout, Washington Health Foundation; Terry Teale, Council of Presidents; Jan Yoshiwara, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Eleni Papadakis, Workforce Board; Matthew Kreiling and Jake Stillwell, Washington Student Lobby; Wendy Rader-Konafalski, Washington Education Association; and Greg Sheiderer, Independent Colleges of Washington.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.