These 17 recommendations propose fundamental changes to Advanced Education and post-secondary institutions, including public, private, and vocational schools. Many of these changes could also be adapted for other government departments.
Management Practices
Post-secondary institutions should adopt modern management practices, including:
1. Prioritizing outcomes over processes.
2. Shifting from an institution-centered model to one that focuses on students and employers.
3. Making decisions that first benefit employers, then graduates, followed by society, and lastly, institutions.
4. Allocating annual funding to public institutions based on student, employer, program, and institutional performance.
5. Increasing funding for institutions with better outcomes.
Performance Measures
Institutions must publicly share performance data in a standardized, easily accessible format. Third-party audits should be conducted regularly. Key metrics include:
6. Graduation rates for each program.
7. Employment rates of graduates in their field of study.
8. Employer satisfaction based on student practicum performance.
9. Student satisfaction with their education, measured in their final semester.
Structural Changes for Cost Efficiency and Performance Improvement
To enhance efficiency and student success, institutions should implement these changes:
10. Transition from two 15-week semesters to three, improving resource use and cutting costs by up to 33%. This allows students to graduate faster and enter the workforce sooner.
11. Reinstate three-year degrees for most programs. Only students pursuing graduate studies should complete a four-year honors degree. This could cut degree costs by 25%. The UK still follows this model successfully.
12. Allow colleges to rename two-year diplomas as “Associate Degrees” to align with terminology already used in the U.S.
13. Shift from calculating cost per student to cost per graduate. This gives a clearer picture of program expenses and effectiveness. Institutions should publish cost-per-graduate data annually.
14. Establish standardized industry exams for programs without national or provincial accreditation. Employers should lead the development of these exams, ensuring students graduate with essential competencies. Provincial and institutional exam results should be publicly available to help prospective students choose the best schools.
15. Address employer concerns about graduates lacking key professional skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, listening, and teamwork. Industry exams should assess these skills.
16. Require all professional and occupational programs to include practicum or work-experience courses. This helps students gain hands-on experience and transition smoothly into the workforce.
17. Review the role of private vocational institutions and universities. Where cost savings can be achieved without compromising quality, consider shifting programs from public to private institutions.
Conclusion
Implementing these recommendations will create a more efficient, student-focused, and employer-driven education system. By prioritizing outcomes, transparency, and practical experience, Alberta can enhance post-secondary education while reducing costs.
