Another advance in learning outcomes - in the for-profit sector

 Well, it had to happen!  The Yahoo! Finance page from January 11 carried an article that begins:

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation, a national advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation, has awarded the 2010 CHEA Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes to Capella University (MN), one of four institutions that will receive the award in 2010. Capella University is the first online university to receive the award….

“Capella University is a leader in accountability in higher education. Their work in student learning outcomes exemplifies the progress that institutions are making through the implementation of comprehensive, relevant and effective initiatives,” said CHEA President Judith Eaton. “We are pleased to recognize this institution with the CHEA Award.”

Capella University is not only the first online university to receive the award, it is, I believe, the first for-profit.  Capella University is owned by the publicly traded Capella Education Company.  The Capella Learning and Careers website, which describes their learning outcomes, is quite impressive and well worth a look. Capella is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

I have noted before the emphasis many for-profit higher ed providers are placing on developing learning outcomes. It is a natural, credibility-building stage in their trajectory as disruptive innovators in higher education (see, e.g post of Aug.5, 2008). CHEA is the accreditor of the accrediting groups, and thus a major force in maintaining quality in American higher education.  Recognition by CHEA as a leader in accountability is therefore a significant step in this process.  It is worth noting that Capella University is both for-profit, and on-line, thus representing two main forces of disruptive innovation in higher education. 

By the way, Dr Michael Offerman, vice chairman of external university initiatives at Capella, has a very nice blog that presents an often different and useful perspective on issues in higher education.