Springfield, IL – State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) passed a bill through the Higher Education Committee Tuesday that would have public universities, community colleges and other state education agencies develop performance-based metrics designed to promote and measure student success in degree and certificate completion which would determine their funding. Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon testified in favor of Senate Bill 1773 during the hearing. The bill passed by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

Officials with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers and several state universities support the measure, which would take effect in 2013. Funding allocations would be based on metrics such as academic milestones, retention, and time to completion. It would also provide for metrics regarding students who are academically or financially at-risk, first-generation students, low-income students, and those traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

"I’m pleased to see this bill get bipartisan support in the Higher Ed Committee," Maloney said. "This bill reflects the ‘budgeting for results’ approach we are using for appropriations this fiscal year, and the metrics will ensure our higher education dollars are spent more effectively and students are meeting academic and completion goals as well. It offers incentives and savings for the institutions and students."

In her testimony, Lieutenant Governor Simon explained that IBHE will develop goals in consultation with public universities, community colleges and other state education agencies in Illinois. Illinois’ involvement with a national alliance of states will help guide the development of performance-based metrics through sharing strategies and best practices with other states.

Senator Maloney recently attended a "Complete College America" conference with Illinois education leaders including Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, Representative Bob Pritchard, SIU Chancellor Rita Cheng, Jerry Weber, Illinois Council of Public Community College Presidents, Elaine Johnson, Illinois Community College Board, George Reid, Illinois Board of Higher Ed, and Jeff Mays, Illinois Business Roundtable.

A similar measure in the House, HB 1503, passed the House Higher Education Committee late last month and awaits floor action.