Yesterday, Congressman Byrne (R-AL) announced a bill he is introducing to allow for greater innovation in higher education.

Should it pass, the Innovation in Accreditation Act would allow the Secretary of Education to waive requirements for schools if they can show a waiver will allow the institution to implement new innovative practices.

For an institution to qualify for an exemption, they would be required to show that the innovation they intend to apply would reduce administrative burdens, improve the delivery of services to students, improve learning outcomes, or otherwise benefit students.

Touching on the need for a change, Rep. Byrne said, “Institutions of higher education take on many different forms and roles in order to meet the realities of today’s students. The Innovation in Accreditation Act would ensure that students and institutions are not unnecessarily punished or restricted by accreditors from using new and innovative strategies or teaching models.”

“The Byrne bill can make a significant difference in freeing accreditors—and colleges—to advance strategies that have proven effective in yielding desired outcomes that otherwise would be prohibited. The Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions applauds such efforts to better serve today’s students,” said Chair of the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions, Barbara, Gellman-Danley.

Congressman Byrne represents Alabama’s first congressional district, which encompasses Washington, Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Monroe counties. He is a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.